PHP Warning: Use of undefined constant VBA_SCRIPT - assumed 'VBA_SCRIPT' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in ..../includes/functions_navigation.php(802) : eval()'d code on line 1 SS prop more durable?
the prop on my 135 black max took a bit of a knock negotiating one the more shallow lakes in the noosa system, its no dramas but seeing as i fish the upper river a fair amount i was wondering if a SS prop will be more durable to the inevitable knocks and scrapes that come about in the massive puddle that is lake coothraba. will the larger outlay for the SS pay off in the long run or will it need to be replaced at about the same rate?
Hi, yes SS is more durable. But if you do hit something hard it goes right through to the gearbox because it is a lot harder than aluminium and won't deform as much. So you really need to try not to hit anything harder than sand and mud.
i guess that would be the down side, do the sharper edges have a problem with blunting in the sand and mud? it is mostly just sludge and usually just scraping in now and again but if theres a stone or soemthing in there it shows as a nick in the ally prop, guess i need to work on moving all the weght up front a bit more as well. i rekon a gearbox will come a bit more expensive then a replacement ally prop
Ive had one for years. Sand just shines it up ive hit some big rocks at low speed and no damage gearbox yet. The seal should give way first. Ive bent it a few times and bends back nicely
the whole smashing your gearbox thing is an old wives tale.
I've smacked big rocks/logs at WOT with a stainless prop and not had any gearbox damage, mates of mine have gently nudged a soft log with an alloy prop and completely smashed his gearbox? more luck of the draw and/or proper servicing than anything else IMO.
I love stainless props and can't see any advantage of an alloy one.
We all know SS is harder than aluminium, so it stands to reason that if you hit something solid with a SS prop it will no doubt transfer more of a shock through the gearbox than an Ali prop. Doesn't mean it's gonna smash at all, but I reckon it's a good idea to be conscious of it and to try not to tempt fate.
Salid fingers I think you were bloody lucky you got away with no serious damage. Pure luck , like you said.
On the plus side, like others have said the SS props stand up to the sand bank ploughing and mud bank ploughing very well. You'll get some minor nick's but much less than an Ali one.
I personally have had SS props on all of my boats and haven't had any problems.
Providing you don't hit anything that wreck's a SS prop you shouldn't have to replace it at all. Maybe a rebush, depending on what type of prop you purchase but that shouldn't happen for a long time.
If the prop is bushed correctly and it has not corroded tight, any impact will be absorbed by the bush to an extent that neither alloy or stainless props will exert any greater shock to the gearbox from the same impact. They are bushed for that reason, to protect the gearbox.
Many boat owners never look at the bushing and even less will ever check the rear side for corrosion or buildup that could render the bush useless.
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