What do you think of composition props?

[BassChump]

I whacked a rock last week fishing for smallies. On visual inspection everything looked fine. Once I got home I double checked and one of the flukes is bent so it's going to cost me 90 bucks to get it repaired.

I was looking on BPS and they have a comp prop for my engine and the price is about the same.

I am going to get my aluminum prop fixed but I have no spare so I was wondering what you guys think of com props?

         Thanks.

[Catt]

What do you think of composition props?

I don't  

SST!

[BassChump]

Thanks Catt for that insightful information. lol.

Unfortunately it's a 1984 Force 85 hp engine so SS isn't available and it's just an old Bayliner so it probably wouldn't be worth the investment anyway. Hence the question about comp props.

The boat gets me on the water, gets me where I want to go reasonably quickly, it's been a fun boat and I have no payments. If it sank tomorrow, I got my monies worth out of it long ago. Everything else is a bonus.

[natanestaban]

I got one that I keep as a spare.  I have not had to use it.   I am interested to see what others say.  

Roll Tide

[Uncle Leo]

I tried one and took it back. I beleive there was too much flex in the prop. RPM went way up and power way down. I would spend the money to repair your prop before I would buy a composite.

[BassChump]

Yes, I am going to fix my aluminum prop but I had no spare and I go fishing 3 or 4 times a week.

I just thought it would be a cheap backup.

My boat is just an old Bayliner Trophy bass boat with an 85 hp Force engine so high performance isn't an issue. Getting there safely and in comfort is what I'm after and since I don't have much spare cash, I need to watch my pennies when I can.

[Way2slow]

Well, you might not think performance is and issue but if you ever tried a good stainlees prop, you will by trying to work extra hours and weekends to come up with the money for one. There is just a big difference in hole shot and the way the boat carries itself in the water.

Composite prop - strickly and emergency spare.  

Get you a good SS prop, have the aluminum repaired and use it as your spare.  Then you won't need to waste your money on a composite.

[BassChump]

I'm sure that's sound advice but as far as I can tell, the stainless props aren't even available for my engine. Even getting a new aluminum prop is becoming hard to find and they are getting really expensive. It doesn't look like I even have that option.

[pa mountain man]

The factory prop on my '72 Johnson took a beating, it was nylon. I had to replace it last year, they only had aluminum, I haven't had the "opportunity" to smoke test it on a floater log.

[Wayne P.]

Although it may be slanted in their favor, read this analysis of the composition props:

http://www.piranha.com/show_article.php?id=11

[Iowa Matt]

My boat and motor are small, but I really like the comp prop I got for it last year.  I spend a lot of time in rivers around rock bars and I was worried about my lower unit after a buddy wrecked his on the same motor (35 merc).  I got the four blade and it gave me two mph gain over the alluminum and when I am near rocks I don't have to worry as much.  I couldn't be more happy for what they cost.  I have not used one on a motor over 40hp so I cannot vouch for them under high hp situations.  I like it more than my metal props FWIW.

matt

[pantherdev]

I need them and use them on my boat due to the floating debris where I fish most. I use the Piranha brand because you can replace the blades individually on the hubs. This is a strong prop and a good buy. One other thing, they make a lot less noise when you are idling the big motor looking for fish to jerk.

[Lund Explorer]

For the boat you're using, I think I'd buy another aluminum prop, and use the damaged one as an emergency backup.  As long as the blade isn't causing vibration issues, it should at least idle you back to the dock in an emergency.

SS Props?  Hey they're great if you plan on ripping down the lake with 9/10th's of the boat sitting out of the water.  But I'm not sure if yours could do that regardless of the prop.  Besides the fact of cost, a SS prop isn't immune to damage. 

From first hand experience, I can tell you what it feels like to have a brand new SS prop whack a rock where you knocks the cup off a blade.  $500+ shot in the keister.  And I have never gotten one repaired that ran anywhere near as good once they got re-cupped.

Save the money and buy bait, the monkey will love ya for it!

[Sfritr]

I keep one for an emergency spare.  It is only rated for less than 25mph but that would get me back home safely.  For what you are looking to use it for I think you would be fine.   go for it

[DawsonH]

I would not use one because I would not want to have to go home just because of trouble. If you have that comp prop for a spare it means without consideration that you will be going home if you have trouble. Saving a day on the water should be considered a worth while investment.

[Wayne P.]

The Comprop brand is advertized as a primary prop up to 5.0 litre V8 or 225HP outboards/3000 lb. boats.

That statement is on the Bass Pro catalog on page 464.

The naysayers need to come out of the stone age and check what is available in today's world.

[DawsonH]

Im not sure, but Im getting the idea he is not considering anything other than a get home prop. Maybe I'm wrong?

[BassChump]

Actually, I did buy a comp prop and I was very happy with it. It was smooth, quiet and my boat was noticably faster although the hole shot was slightly slower.

Unfortunately, I let my brother borrow my boat and he busted the new prop. I must admit that the prop did exactly what it was supposed to do. The flukes broke off before any damage was done to the lower end so I'm happy.

I am buying another comp prop and using my aluminum as a spare.

[bassattackerdad]

Basschump, I think I would skip the comp prop and try to find another aluminum or SS prop. I think there is an aftermarket SS prop for that motor. We have the same boat, but have a 90 Evinrude on it with a SS prop. We have an aluminum as a spare. Not much difference in top end, about 43mph at Fern Ridge Reservoir. Probably a bit more at the coast. But my kid says the SS rides better. I can't tell much of a difference. Plastic is plastic, it's gotta flex. Aluminum flexes. Stainless has very little flex.