Outboard prop material

[tomfl]

I spun the prop on one of the 9.9 Yamaha outboards that power my Seawind. I have a choice of stainless steel or aluminum for the replacement and aside from general experience I have no idea which one to pick. As the captain I am in the position of being able to ask for advice with out having to follow it so fire away.

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[a64pilot]

Aluminum, cheaper, but less efficient, but does this really matter at hull speeds?
Also it's redneck knowledge that if you hit something really hard, an aluminum prop will break, if you hit it with a SS prop, the gear case will break. Yes, both have rubber hubs.
SS is prettier, but I go with aluminum on little motors, but SS on bigger higher HP boats where efficiency matters more.

Seeing as how it's very un-likely you'll ever hit anything with a prop, maybe the SS is worth the extra money to look pretty?

[colemj]

If the prop isn't damaged, it can be rehubbed easily. We had ours rehubbed for $25 - took the guy a couple of minutes with a press.

Mark

[tomfl]

Agree about the rehubbing. I am planning to head to the Bahamas for several months and think it wise th have a spare.

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[valhalla360]

Who's buying?

For a displacement boat, SS may look pretty but no way can you justify the up front cost.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by tomfl

I spun the prop on one of the 9.9 Yamaha outboards that power my Seawind. I have a choice of stainless steel or aluminum for the replacement and aside from general experience I have no idea which one to pick. As the captain I am in the position of being able to ask for advice with out having to follow it so fire away.

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If you have multiple outboards powering your boat, it makes the most sense to buy a prop that's identical to the others. You would want the same performance characteristics from each engine.

As others have mentioned, repair may be the best option.

[Cavalier MK2]

For a alternative suggestion I tried a nylon blade on my 9.9 Yamaha and picked up 1/2 a knot in speed and better fuel economy. The downside is it is easier to chip the blade than aluminum.

[multihullspd]

I am a Seawind agent in Australia and my own cruising /racing cat that has 2 x Yamaha 9.9 engines. Brilliant motors! Because you are pushing big loads you will find you'll spin a prop every 3 years or so. You must carry a spare prop. Stick to what Yamaha originally supply because they work. "Keep it simple & reliable " is my moto. I always get my props rebushed for about $50 at a local prop specialist.

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[44'cruisingcat]

I'd stick to the original article too. You know it works and it's going to match the other motor. If you're doing a lot of marina manouvering, a heavier SS prop will be tougher on your gearbox too.