ric wrote:
hutch9900 wrote:
Currently running on a 14-1/2x19 3 blade Quicksilver. I am going to buy a prop and I have narrowed it down to the Vortex and Apollo versions of the 14x20 of the 4 blade prop. I just need input on why I would want to pay more than double for Stainless over Aluminum? I do know that with the new hub kits, I shouldnt have to worry about damaging my drive if I were to hit something. Is that correct? Am I going to get better control in turns, more speed, ect.?? Any help would be much appreciated!
The best way to describe Al vs SS for me is:
Aluminum is a open wheel differential in a car. The car still moves and functions normally, but you can easily over power that one wheel and slip
Stainless is a limited slip rear end. More power is transferred with less slippage. This creates a more efficient drivetrain all around at any speed.
Of course this all depends on the prop design. You can get a crappy stainless just as easily as you can get a very good aluminum.
3 vs 4 blade? From every documented test I've ever seen that was set with the same boat, same weight, with stop watches and radar guns... 3 bladed props out performed 4 blades in every scenario. The only prop you can slap on a boat that WILL 100% give you better low end performance is the Hi-5.... at a cost of gas and top speed. It's for water sports only. From what I can read the two best all around props on the market are the Mercury Laser 2 and the Volvo Penta SS (3 blade)
Thats to complicated for me!
Al will flex under load were stainless will not. With that in mind, stainless will give you better perfomance than Al.
On the other hand, Al is more forgiving if you hit a rock. Stainless will send more of that shock into the drive.
As to prefomance, I like stainless, but to get into some of these high priced props. For me, the money you put into it will not give you that much in performance. BUT, to each there own. For me to do over 35knots if I had to and cruise at 25 knots, I am happy!! You can thow a ton of money at the boat and bottom line, if you went 5 to 8% faster, that would be a lot. I am sure othe people would differ, but I would spent the money on upgrades. As in sound system, windlass, lighting and more........