Ss Props.

Jocool · #1 23-12-2003, 12:46 AM

I have sorted most of my motor woes regarding getting up on the plane and holding it. Neptune Marine didnt think I needed to go down in prop pitch size. But what they did suggest was going to an SS prop.

They told me that even the same pitch prop will give better hole shot and hold plane at lower speeds. Apperantly this is due to the extra cupping in the SS prop. They also suggested NOT getting a Solas which was my theory, but to stick to the PRO TECH I think it was called. This is the one Tohatsu sells from factory.

The price of both props was similar.

Any one have any thoughts on that?

Craig · #2 23-12-2003, 01:13 AM

Solas or Pro Tech - Difficult call and one that I am not qualified to make and there is probably not a difinitive answer.

My understanding was that the SS prop gave better performance due to less flex but whether the % improvement was worth the extra dollars is a judgement only you can make.

Jocool · #3 23-12-2003, 08:22 AM

Thanks for that Craig. It kinda makes sence to me...extra cupping and all...I guess I just wanted my thoughts confirmed!

#4 23-12-2003, 12:12 PM

To Ss props - is that f you use the boat for say breaming - and hit something in the river thats unforgiving like a rock bar or log - with that stainless prop - then something has gotta give and likely as not it will be your gearbox (which spells mega bux!).

With an alloy prop in the river- you might get away with just a mangled prop...and alloy props are a LOT cheaper than SS props and new gearboxes / lower units to replace.

For ocean and maybe harbours use - slap on the Ss prop - for river use - slap on the alloy - keep the spare prop in the boat for when you need it one day of you hit something or spin a hub and need to get home without assistance - you can always swap one for the other.

Cheers!

Jake · #5 23-12-2003, 09:52 PM

Spot on Trouty,
I had (past tence) a Johnson with a factory standard cast prop. By changing to a ss prop with identical pitch the old girl lifted out quicker to a plane and had between 4 - 9 knots better top end speed. All went very wrong in Pope Nose Creek (Point Samson)when I tangled with a mangrove tree.

It can be a long long way back home with a box full of munched gears.

Jocool · #6 23-12-2003, 11:37 PM

Thanks for the feed back boys!

On another note...can you get the alloy prop modded to get more cupping out of it? I have heard that some people advocate self modification with a lump of timber and a mallet...But im not game enough or silly enough to try it as I have no experience with props!

Craig · #7 23-12-2003, 11:43 PM

Give Michael Constantine of Just Propellers WA a call 9244 9255 or 9244 5955

He will be able to assist and provide free advice.

I should add that is if you are in WA otherwise check with your local SOLAS dealer.

Simon · #8 28-12-2003, 06:57 AM

I Just replaced my factory prop courtesy of a rock and went a Solas. I decreased the pitch got extra cupping and raised the motor. At the end of the day their is no change to my top end speed but it jumps out of the hole immediately. Not sure what I think yet. Have taken the Stingray off for the first time and shall give that a go tomorrow. All I can suggest is get the extra cupping it made a big difference to my planing time. Oh yes and at this enginr hieght the cavitation previously experienced is absent.

Cheers

Simon.