STAINLESS VS. ALUMINUM

[charlie_the_tuna]

i heard that a stainless prop on a boat in a slip is a bad idea.
i hear because of the sacrificial properties of the aluminum the outdrive will turn to sh!t in short order.
i have a bunch of aluminum anodes but there isnt much for the outdrive itself.

what to do?

[Stinky_Hooker]

Get a dry slip and a stainless prop! *:D


On that note, I cant stand the thought of my baby getting a blowing rain on her that gets under the shed. I dont know HOW yall keep em in wet slips. I would go nuts just thinking about it. :o

for me, the extra money for ss is just not worth the performance gains. plus i go shallow a lot and would rather tear up the prop than the drive. as far as ur question about ss in a wet slip... it kinda makes sense but, i am guessing that the spline shaft that the prop mounts to is stainless. i dunno?????????????

[Bygracealone]

Originally Posted by Stinky_Hooker

Get a dry slip and a stainless prop! *:D


On that note, I cant stand the thought of my baby getting a blowing rain on her that gets under the shed. I dont know HOW yall keep em in wet slips. I would go nuts just thinking about it. :o

I know exactly what you mean Stink. I had a 250 in a wet slip a couple of years back and I couldn't sleep at night. I had to go down to the dock a couple of times a day just to make sure the lines had enough slack for the changing tides and stormy weather. I was always worried that she was going to sink.

[spareparts]

yes, putting a stainless prop on a boat left in the water will increase the amount of electrolisys, just ask Mercruiser what happened to the Bravo Three's when they're left in the water. Each blade acts just liek an additional plate in a battery, teh more surface area the alkaliine solution( salt water in this case) can act on, teh more electrolisys can occur, even four blades will increase it over a three blade, you also have to watch diameter and surface area also, Mercruiser stopped selling stainless Bravo Two blades after they had them rot the drives off.

[charlie_the_tuna]

hey spare, then what the solution?
will the alum prop act as the anode?
where can i put more zinc?
should i leave off my doelfin and use the mounting holes for zinc plates?

tell me what to do.

NOW !

[charlie_the_tuna]

what are the actual gains in performance/economy with stainless over aluminum?

[frayed_knot]

Stainless for the bling factor yo ;) And take that wing thing of your outdrive, they are gay, and might break your cavitation plate.

[Stinky_Hooker]

CTT I run a stainless Steeleto and love it. I have stuck it in mud and oyster beds several times and it still looks like new. Other than being tougher than nails they spin truer, have virtual no flex compared to aluminum and pull harder. For this reason they help you make the most of the horsepower you already have. However it doesn't sound like u should pursue the stainless option.

[charlie_the_tuna]

well stinkbomb, i already have stainless on there but i have the original aluminum and am seriously considering putting it back on.