Stainless or Aluminum

[TomP]

I have been told by several people that when I'm on the river (south of Parker/north of Blythe) that I should be running an aluminum prop instead of my stainless steel prop. They say this because if I hit a stump or something like that with the aluminum prop the prop will bend, but if I'm running the stainless and hit something like that I could bend the shaft.

What do you think?

I am on the side of running the stainless prop and watching out where the hell I'm going, but there can be some nasty obstacles on that part of the river.

[O/B Dude]

You can twist a shaft with an aluminum prop or a staiinless prop. The rubber hub type props "generally" protect you from having this happen. I have wacked many submerged objects with stainless props, causing serious prop damage, and have yet to twist or bend a shaft. Not saying it doesnt happen, it's just less common than what I think you are being told. Also depends on what you hit, how fast you are going, etc... I have seen the top splines of drive shafts twist completely off from an impact, but again, most of the time it will just damage your prop.

[TomP]

Thanks for the reply O/B Dude...I'm new to the outboard game, so whenever I hear something or have a question I'm gonna ask.:D

[O/B Dude]

I have had 15 outboard powered boats and I still ask a ton of questions. :) Outboards rock! Power to weight ratio is great, no car motor taking up all the room in your boat, and generally they have great fuel economy if thats what you are into. What rig are you running?

[TomP]

I have a 1995 Stoker 204 with an Evinrude. I have wanted one for a long time and I finally got it! I had jets before this and I like this a lot better so far. I just have a lot to learn!

[stokernick]

welcome to the forum and congrats on a great choiceIMHO Stokers rule!!I have a 20SST with a 2.4BP Merc.If you have any questions this is the place to ask.

[O/B Dude]

Tom, some weekend, head up to Havasu, hit speed alley and you will likely meet Danny Smith. He has 2 stokers that rock. 1 with omc power, one with a merc if I recall correctly. He has a lot of experience with them and he's in your neck of the woods. :D

[TomP]

Thanks O/B...I'll look him up next time I'm running in Havasu. Alan Stoker has been really cool about answering all of my questions so far too.

[O/B Dude]

You may run into Al Stoker at speed alley...I did. Good guy.