Conference wahoo::fishing-v2

220.0. "propellers" by KOLFAX::WHITMAN (Acid Rain Burns my Bass) Wed Sep 30 1992 13:41

  There doesn't seem to be any other topic dedicated to propellers so I'll add
one here, if the moderators wish to move it please feel free to do so.

    Some of us who fish for bass (in particular) tend to get our boats in close
to rocks and trees and other obstructions.  This takes its toll on prop blades.
One solution is to use a steel prop which is a little more forgiving about the
dings, clunks and groundings.  Others of us use aluminum for both the cost and
the idea of the weakest link (i.e. I'd rather have my prop break than my lower
unit). 

    After trashing 2 aluminum props a couple weekends ago, I purchased a
composite prop with "replacable blades".  It's called a PIRANHA prop.  The cost
was $99.95 + S&H.  Replacement blades are $16.95 + S&H each.  At $45 each to
get the aluminum props fixed, the $16.95 seems to be a bargain.

    I noticed a 300 rpm increase WOT with the composite over what I could turn
with the same pitch aluminum, but did not notice any increase in top end.  My
hole shot seemed about the same, maybe a little better.  I haven't hit anything
with it yet (I'm sure I will eventually) so I don't know how well it takes
abuse.

    Has anyone had any experience with this prop?  


Al

p.s.  I made an entry (44.8) in VICKI::BOATS conference about how the unit is 
	constructed and assembled so I won't go into again here.

    I don't know about the composits but it sounds good.  I will watch for
    them.  I did grind up a brand new first time out Al prop on a
    cinderblock at the ramp because my kid hit they start key and neutral
    safey didn't lock the starter out.  The engine started INSTANTLY and
    ground that prop up before I could open my mouth.  What a waste.
    
    Jeff

    	Re:0
    
    	Just a guess but I suspect your RPM difference is caused by a
    slight lack of pitch due to the blades bending a little under load.
    
    	RAYJ