Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

Prop recommendations...stainless vs. aluminum


prov1900

Recommended Posts

I currently have an aluminum prop on my 225 Optimax, mounted on a 19 ft Pro-V. What is your thoughts on upgrading to a stainless. I am not a high end performance type, I am pretty pleased now, but my hole shots are kind of weak and the motor "washes out" when I punch it. I know nothing about the technical mumbo jumbo on props. Is there a better option for me as far as aluminums go, or is stainless, at the costly price, and risk of wacking a lower unit, the only way to go?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Save the $500+ and put it towards the kicker you asked about. To use your words you're "not a high end performance type" and you're "pretty pleased now". A stainless prop would tweak and improve performance, but if you're okay with your performance now there'd be better things to do with the money IMO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Depending where you fish also. If you mainly stay in the Missouri you might want to keep your aluminum, to avoid damages to lower unit from rocks, trees, etc.

If you travel mostly where you know there will be no underwater obstacles, a SS is the way to go.

I am surprised a 225hp didn't come with Stainless.

What pitch do you have now ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Valv, how do you figure out what the pitch is, because I couldn't tell you right now. I also assumed that the 225 Opti came with a stainless, but it was explained to me that they dont come with anything at all (from factory), the dealer supplies the prop. Can anyone verify that. If I can change the pitch to improve the hole shots, then I would never spend the $$ on the SS. Like what was stated earlier, more $$ to the kicker.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is true they come without a prop. Because they don't know what boat the motor is going on. Pitch will depend on weight of the boat and what the boats purpose is.

Some dealers have no clue as to the prop. So they throw on what I call a neutral prop.(or a cheap one)

There hope is they can get you to buy an upgrade prop.

A neutral prop is half way between a speed prop and a power prop.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree, motors do not come from the factory with a prop.

Last boat I bought was rigged by the manufacturer (Ranger) and the prop was included in Ranger's price to my dealer. Ranger does a lot of testing on their boat/motor combos and would rather set them up themselves instead of having the dealers do it. Prevents things from happening like 225s going out with aluminum props grin.gif

With the big 225 Opti, I doubt that any aluminum prop is going to make much difference for you. Aluminum will flex at high torque - the benefit of steel is much less flex, so the props can be designed with different blade shapes. I'd say if you're ok with your boat now don't spend the money on another prop, stainless or aluminum. But if you are going to spend money on a prop, DEFINATELY go stainless.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most prop shops have a return policy if you find you do not like the performance of the prop you purchased. If you have never had a SS prop on your opti, try one (cannot believe the dealer let it leave the showroom without one) You will see a huge increase in performance. As far as a SS prop being harder on the lower unit if you hit something, my opinion,if you hit somethng that hard, it won't make any difference what your running, something will break. Check some of the bass fishing websites, most of them have a thread that is nothing but prop talk, somebody there can give you a good base line to start from. Just tell them what boat and motor your running.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Stainless. Much better performance and while it may cost more initially you won't have to have to pay to have the aluminum prop reworked everytime you nick a pebble at the boat ramp either.

EJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:

Valv, how do you figure out what the pitch is, because I couldn't tell you right now.


They are correct since mfg doesn't know which boat the motor will install on, they ship them all with no prop.

Anyway the only way to find out what you have is to remove it and read the numbers on hub, but sometimes on side of prop it's stamped the pitch (like 133/4x21) which means 13 3/5" diameter prop with 21" pitch.

If you can read it, send me an email I can help....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On most mercury brand props the pitch number is stamped on the side of the prop, typically between two of the fins. It should be the first or last numbers, and on Mercury props it usually has a P after it, so it'll probably say something like 21P

Find out that, post that and an idea of what you're turning for RPM at wide open throttle and we'll go from there...

marine_man

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1900Prov,

The prop you would need is a 21p Tempest Plus. Putting one on would make a world of difference in the way your boat handles. Not only in holeshot but also on turns you wont blow out, and you will be able to trim the motor more . By trimming the motor you will get a better ride and the boat will handle much better. As far as hitting anything steel is no worse than alum, if you hit something that hard it will bend a shaft with either. We had a 225 Yamaha 4-stroke hit a rock with a steel prop, the blade split in half and folded all the way over, and did not bend the shaft. I know this is only one incident but you could also bend a shaft with alum.

Brian

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone for the help. Props are a science all by themselves. Valv, I havent had the chance to check my existing prop yet, but will email you when work doesnt interfere with the real world (fishing of course)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pro V, I too am running a 19' pro v with a 200 opti on it. Last year while pulling wife and kids on tube and skis I got tired of motor blowing out on corners and slow hole shot. Long story short I contacted Precision propeller and talked with them about my needs. They ended up suggesting a 14 1/4 x 18 4 blade stainless prop. What a difference that made. I dont blow out on even the sharpest corners and the hole shot will make the boat just about leap out of the water. I know that when I go fishing on the bigger northern lakes and Canada I will be putting my old prop back on as they will travel better, but for rec. type boating cant beat the new 4 blade job. It was $400 tho, so I guess youhave to decide how happy youare with current set up. For any good propping info dealers will need to know your rpm at wide open throttle and the pitch of your current wheel

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gadgetman, What do you mean by old prop traveling better, i.e. do you get better top end/better ride out of your old one? Is your old one aluminum, or stainless? I like your idea of the four blade. When we tube, the blow outs are awful, like you described.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think he meant the older prop has higher pitch (will give more speed) and will travel farther.

It's not uncommon to have 2 props style for 2 different uses, especially if you ski or tube.

It's an expensive accessory, but a visit to a good prop shop will solve many problems you have, the experts will fix you up with something it's right for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes Valv you are correct. My other prop is stainless but it is a 14 1/2 x 22. It gets better speed at lower rpm so you can cruise at a lower engine rpm which gets you better mileage. As always there is a trade off between power and speed. I have also noticed that my 4 blade does not offer very good reverse "traction" it can be a real pain if you need to back up very much. When I bought the boat I have it was totally set up for big water fishing, my wife is a very good water skier and really wanted me to buy a ski boat frown.gif the 4 blade prop was a semi compromise that works for both of us. That 4 blade allows me to get on plane very quick and stay there at lower speeds...in fact the hole shot is so quick that I half expect to yank her right out of her bikini one of these days grin.gif Ahhh, summer time cool.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.