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Posts: 34
| Tomcat,
I just upgraded to a stainless on our boat (17 Pro Sport with 115 Yamaha). We had big problems not being able to lift the bow adiquately and therefore suffered in speed, efficiency, and overall performance.
I went from a 21P stock Al to a 19P Michigan Wheel Ballistic SS and the difference was mind blowing. I went from 5200 RPMs to 5500 (motor max). The speed went from 40mph to 47mph (GPS speeds). The water spray used to come off the boat at or infront of the windshield, it now exits way back in the rear (drier ride) with the ability to lift the bow. The bite of the prop eliminated nearly all blowout in the corners. Hole shot is improved for pulling tubes/wakeboards/skiers. And the best part of it all is that I got the prop for $170 off of the sale board on this very site.
In the end, I WOULD suggest you upgrade your prop to SS but I WOULDN'T upgrade your prop from the dealer for two reasons:
1) you can find a used SS prop or aftermarket SS prop for much less than $400.
2) if you upgrade to SS after your purchase you will then have the Al prop as a backup which is always needed no mater what type of prop you run.
As for the comment about the drive shaft taking the brunt of the abuse, I would say this: The SS prop is bound to the hub by a rubber bushing which would absorb any forces from hitting obsticles. SS is highly resistant to chips, dings, dents, scratchin, etc. so in the long run the cost difference will be made up in the number of times you bring your Al into the prop shop for repairs.
Just my 2 cents.
Ryan
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