Stainless Vs. Aluminum props

[MNBIGBEAR]

Just wondering what the performance differences are between running a stainless vs an aluminum prop. I just bought a 100hp Yamaha 4 stroke and it came with both. Just curious on what you guys think. Thanks.

[Rost]

Stainless props won't flex like an aluminum prop will. There are a few advantages to this. Your boat may get more speed (uaually 2-3 mph)and you will get more reponse when steering etc..

The fact that a stainless does not flex can also be bad. If you hit somthing (rock,log, etc..) it won't be forgiving like an aluminum prop. This could possibly damage your lower unit.

[marine_man]

Rost hit the nail on the head... the blades on a stainless prop won't flex like aluminum do, giving you the additional speed, and typically hole shot that you wouldn't get out of the aluminum.

However, if you hit something with your stainless prop it typically results in a ding in your prop and a lower unit rebuild, where if you hit something with the aluminum it'll ding up the prop pretty bad, but the lower unit is usually spared.

Unless you'll be running the river a lot, or running where there are a lot of underwater obstructions I'd run the stainless and keep the aluminum for a backup.

marine_man