Shipyard Isl. Marine Engine Parts - F115 Prop ..Aluminum and Stainless Steel Pitch performance?

Hi! I was directed to this forum from the general boating forum. I own a Sailfish 1900 Bay Boat. The typical weight of the boat including engine, fuel, passengers, fishing gear, and batteries is probably 2800 - 3000 lbs. I am replacing an aluminum prop that got damaged recently. It is a Solas Myth 4-blade 12.75" X 17". I had a good hole shot and a top speed of 40-41mph at 5500 rpm. I would like to increase WOT rpm to 5800ish hoping to increase top speed a little without sacrificing hole shot.

1) Would a 12.75" X 16" aluminum 4-blade prop accomplish this?

How would a Stainless Steel 4-blade 12.75" X 17" compare to the aluminum prop sized the same? I am thinking that because this prop has less "flex" than the aluminum that it is possible to improve the hole shot and top end speed at WOT.

2) Would a 17" Stainless perform similar to a 17" aluminum or would it perform more like a 16" aluminum or even an 18" aluminum?

Any opinions or ideas are appreciated. I am looking at Solas, Turning Point, Power Tech and Yamaha Propellers. I am sure each has its strengths and weaknesses. Can you shine a little light on any of those for me? Thanks!

JMB,

I can not give you a good recommendation with all of those different prop companies. One thing I know for sure is that whencomparing from prop company to prop company, you can throw out the physical dimensions when doing so. Example a Solas 12.50 x 17 will perform identically to a Powertech 12.50 x 17. They just plain don't. I stick with the OEM stuff (Yamaha and Merc) because I know how they perform when switching from different sizes and styles.

1. YES

2. Youcould compare a SS17 to a 18p aluminum or a 19p aluminum in the same style brand of prop.

Andy

Thanks for your help.