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H*a*r*r*o*l*d

On 7/30/2014 2:01 PM, wrote:
On Wednesday, July 30, 2014 3:20:09 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:12:17 -0700 (PDT), Tim

wrote:

Concerning props, it's amazing how just a good nick in one of the vanes can throw things out of balance

That is why I like my stainless prop. It doesn't nick up like

aluminum.

I have a work boat style prop, (thicker blades, 304 SS) not the thin

blade 316 SS performance prop.

Oysters, gravel, logs and sand don't hurt it.

Fortunately big rocks are not much of a problem here.

The old boat had an aluminum prop. I hit a rock in a shallow part of the lake, and it took a sizable chunk out of it. Had to putt back to the slip, but fixing it was pretty cheap.

The "new" boat has a SS prop. I was putting the boat back on the trailer at an unfamiliar ramp on the Cooper River, and when powering up to get it that last foot I sucked up some gravel. Sounded like the world was coming apart back there. No hunks gone, just a bit ragged looking. Fixing that wasn't so inexpensive.

Especially if gears and shafts were involved. Sometimes aluminum is better.

--
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of
taking care of them".
Thomas Jefferson