stainless vs aluminum

[JoshKeller]

hey guys, just got a new 2013 alumacraft 1648 mv. Light weight decking, 2 batteries, gas tank. Total boat weight is around 450 - 550 lbs. I have a tiller steer 1994 merc 25 hp. Currently it has a 10.25 x 13 pitch aluminum, but its pretty chewed up.

Will I notice a big difference between an aluminum and a stainless prop? How are the solus props, I see they are on sale at i boats.

[1FASTLASER]

Well Josh that is a double edged sword. Down here 75% of the rigs like you have are running stainless. Reason being is yes a little better performance,they do hold up a bunch better in the waters we run down here. When you go to jumping logs and stumps and beaver dams an aluminum wouldnt last 5 minutes. Dont buy a SS and expect the kinda of performance gains like you would see on a glass boat....it just dont happen...you will see a little better holeshot and maybe 1 and if your lucky 2 mph on the top...thats about it. Its all about longevity in this area.

[staylor]

I ran a similar rig for 20 years with a 25 Merc- a Starcraft 16 semi-vee lake fisherman- hull weight was 275 bare. Up here in the Niagara River and inland lakes rocks are not an issue, so I stayed with alum props. Motor was raised until cav plate was even with the bottom. The stock 13 pitch always seemed a bit high for the motor, top end was around 34-35 with a light load. The 11 pitch was great for sking- and yes, I towed my teenage kids on skis with a tiller boat. My best prop was a 13 pitch Michigan that I bought used and had repaired. I had the repair shop drop pitch to 12 inches and give me a well defined trailing edge cup- a bit more than the standard cup on aluminums. I also had the blades thinned just a little and the leading edge finished to a .03 radius. This prop ran 36 mph with a light load and the motor rpm was just about perfect for loads from just me up to a total of 3 in the boat. I tried an SS prop that I borrowed- a 13 pitch, but it "clunked" when going into gear and didn't run any better than the stock 13.
Doug

[steve@scp]

dont get a solas props. geometry is terrible, and the metal is really soft.

go with a power tech prop!! very good sst props. i've sold a bunch of them.

[JoshKeller]

my biggest concern in this area is rocks. I know where most of them are (ledges on the upper potomac), but in low water you hit a few at idle speed.