I agree with you Tony, afew years ago I think it was "Boating" mag did
some test where they had a submerged RailRoad tie of somthing just as
formatable sunk. The had it at a depth that would allow only the sked
and the blades to impacked it if I recall. The idea was to see what
happened when it was hit with a Comprop, Aluminum and SS.. A merc drive
was used.

The Comprop lost all it's blades but they could be replaced in short
order. The Aluninum did not do so well and the Stailess held up the best
if memory servers. But it was some time ago I read this.

One of the last comments was they were inpressed that the Merc strn
drive held up with all hits they did with the thing.

Capt Jack R.



Tony Thomas wrote:
Not true. The hub in the prop is the weak link. That is what it is
designed for. The SS will hold up to trash and hits without damage to the
prop or anything. A big hit and the prop/hub will probably be destroyed
anyway. Only reason you would damage the gears would be if you hit a large
rock while running w/ the actual gearcase and damaged it. If you just hit
w/ the prop, no damage to the gears/drive should exist.

Tony

"noah" wrote in message
...

On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 02:06:01 GMT, "Tony Thomas"
wrote:


I would suggest that you purchase a good SS prop in a 14 x 19 to use as

your

main prop. You will gain speed and acceleration by the improvement in

blade

design. Then use the current prop as a spare. Look at the Laser II.

Tony


Tony- I have been reluctant to switch to SS props, in spite of the
performance gains, because of concerns about drive damage. I
regularly run local rivers, complete with submerged tree trunks,
rocks, etc., that are rearranged regularly by ice and current.

I have heard from other experienced boaters that the SS props are more
unforgiving, and transfer more shock to the drive if an object is hit.

Any thoughts?
noah


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