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In article ,
says...
You're not going to thank too many people.

Don't do it(composite).

They make fine lightweight spares, that won't ding up your stowage area,
but are a performance compromise.

Your weight arguement doesn't hold water, either(pun intended).

Best performance with the OMCDrive is achieved with the arguably
heavier, but much better design of a stainless prop similar to the
aluminum you have been using... much better bite, thinner blades, better
balance. You will achieve a better running attitude under way - faster
- with more boat out of the water properly trimmed.

Of course, if you like the prop you have now, why not just have it
reconditioned? Most experienced, reputable shops can often make them
better than new.

Rob

Thanks for the reply Rob, I'll keep your points in mind.

A SS prop isn't a consideration for me. I fish a rocky coast and
sometimes in shallow water and I can't see the benefits of the stainless
being cost effective in my situation. It hasn't happened yet but one of
these days I know I'll probably ding up a prop and I'd just as soon it
be one easily and inexpensively repaired.

The old prop is pitted and with a chunk missing. I will get it repaired
and put it aside for a spare but will, if I replace it with an aluminum
prop, get a duplicate of the 13 1/4 X 17 I have now. Most likely a
Michigan wheel product. I'm 99% sure the existing prop is the original
"85" prop with no cup. I figure that even if I go with a straight
replacement the newer designs might be of some additional help.

As a side note, I once had a Triumph TR 650C. One winter I stripped the
engine down and quasi blue printed it. Mostly just cleaning up the
moving parts, polishing, removing flashings from the connecting rods and
rocker arm assembly, in general just taking off excess metal down close
to what the optimal specs said they should be. No new pistons, shaved
heads, etc. Come spring I ran it down to the shop and had it put on a
dyno. Picked up around 8 HP just for shaving off not too many ounces of
excess metal.

Wish I could say the same for the Lucas electrics though.

Thanks again and take care.
Mike

--
Mike G.
Heirloom Woods

www.heirloom-woods.net