When to Buy a Stainless Prop

Once you have verified the correct diameter for your boat prop, and have determined the best propeller pitch for your style of boating, then you need to decide if a stainless prop is worth the additional investment over an aluminum prop.

Aluminum props are the most common and a good quality aluminum prop will provide satisfactory performance for most family and fishing boats. But if you want a propeller that will stand the test of time, and have a desire for top speed and acceleration, then a stainless prop is the best choice overall.

Here are a few reasons why a stainless prop presents the highest and best standards of functionality and durability.

Speed and Performance with a Stainless Prop

There is a reason you will never see a race boat with an aluminum prop. If you are looking for speed, stainless is the proven answer to maximum performance. Stainless steel doesn’t flex under pressure like aluminum can. This added rigidity means that a stainless prop will stay optimally configured even under a load, which is why stainless props perform better at top speeds.

Strength from a Stainless Prop

If your boating activities take you into shallow areas with stony bottoms, stainless steel is a good choice. At seven times stronger than aluminum, stainless steel is much stronger than aluminum and can endure far more abuse. A stainless prop can avert damage from small rocks, sand, or other loose objects in the water that would result in an aluminum prop needing costly repairs or even replacement.

Durability of a Stainless Prop

Durability is a key component. Stainless props can safely navigate through most underwater objects -- from sandy bottoms and coral, to crab traps and floating wood - - without damage. However, if you do hit rocks or something big, rubber hubs like those used by Solas Propellers will spin or slip, providing protection for shafts and gears.