rsn48
Guru
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2019
- Messages
- 2,019
- Location
- Canada
- Vessel Name
- Capricorn
- Vessel Make
- Mariner 30 - Sedan Cruiser 1969
I am about to finally launch my boat after an almost 2 year over haul. Included is the new Mercruiser sterndrive that is not a marinized auto or truck engine, it comes with a Bravo two leg.
One of the chaps working on my boat I've come to respect in terms of his experience and technical knowledge. I won't bore you with why but no one including the engine installer or Mercury or prop shops want to make a prop recommendation. The closest I have gotten in terms of recommendation is the "prop selector" software Mercury and other use. Input boat data and out pops a prop recommendation..
But I know the prop may or may not be the best match, so my intention was to use the new prop I have just purchased to be my back up prop. Its a Mercury aluminum jobby, I don't want to go to stainless steel until I know the next prop is hitting the sweet spot.
So I was talking to the guy I respect about this and he said if it were him he'd stick with the aluminum prop, even if I have to change prop diameter/pitch. We have lots of logs in our waters and debris here in coastal BC waters, the joys of logging. About 20 % of American homes are built with BC lumber.
My guy says if I hit a log with the stainless steel prop its rigidity will transfer shock along into the leg and create more damage than the softer aluminum prop with more give. This sounds logical to me but I'd love to hear others opinions. Sea Trials is in 9 days.
One of the chaps working on my boat I've come to respect in terms of his experience and technical knowledge. I won't bore you with why but no one including the engine installer or Mercury or prop shops want to make a prop recommendation. The closest I have gotten in terms of recommendation is the "prop selector" software Mercury and other use. Input boat data and out pops a prop recommendation..
But I know the prop may or may not be the best match, so my intention was to use the new prop I have just purchased to be my back up prop. Its a Mercury aluminum jobby, I don't want to go to stainless steel until I know the next prop is hitting the sweet spot.
So I was talking to the guy I respect about this and he said if it were him he'd stick with the aluminum prop, even if I have to change prop diameter/pitch. We have lots of logs in our waters and debris here in coastal BC waters, the joys of logging. About 20 % of American homes are built with BC lumber.
My guy says if I hit a log with the stainless steel prop its rigidity will transfer shock along into the leg and create more damage than the softer aluminum prop with more give. This sounds logical to me but I'd love to hear others opinions. Sea Trials is in 9 days.