Stainless Steel Props Vs Aluminum

Despite the low cost aluminum props do work very well and provide great value for money.

Stainless steel props vs aluminum. In fact it s quite common for a stainless steel propeller all other things being equal to out perform an aluminum propeller by as much as five mph at top end and two to three mph at cruising speeds. But while stainless steel is the most expensive material stainless propellers have a reputation for being much more durable that either aluminum or composites. In saltwater stainless steel is king but you can say that is due to the bigger horsepower that you see. Aluminum propellers have many advantages and are by far the most plentiful in the freshwater market.

They are inexpensive and under normal conditions can last for many years. Stainless steel propellers tend to cost more than aluminum propellers. Stainless steel propeller pro stainless props provide better performance because their blades flex less. Most props come in two different materials aluminum and stainless steel.

They are lighter than stainless steel and therefore easier to turn. On larger engines however aluminum props flex when full power is applied to them and stainless steel won t. There is a significant price difference between the two props. The biggest differentiating factors you will find in an aluminum vs stainless steel prop are the materials used and how those materials affect the performance of the prop and the overall boat.

Stainless steel propellers are more expensive but are far stronger and more durable than aluminum. You can almost guarantee that for every single steel prop sold there are 10 aluminum props. Stainless steel props aluminum props most pleasure boats are factory equipped with aluminum propellers. Aluminum is a great choice for small and medium sized boats.

Compare this to around 110 for an aluminum prop. Aluminum props work fine on smaller engines. The same engine equipped with a stainless steel prop in lieu of the factory rigged aluminum can immediately see a better hole shot and overall top end speeds even if both props are the same pitch. Though prices vary stainless steel propellers can cost almost double the cost of an aluminum one.