Looking for a new prop

[Ratherbefishing75]

So I’m looking for a new prop for my boat. Currently I have an aluminum prop on there  what’s the difference between that and a stainless steel one. Also my prop size is 13.25 by17  3 blade. And my motor is a 70hp Jonson currently I can hit 37 miles per hour wide open throttle and she gets up on plain pretty easily  I’m afraid of changing  the pitch of the blade  I will gladly take any advice  thank you 

[WRB]

Aluminum prop is ok for 70hp OB. SST is more rigid flex less but why change if you are satisfied?

Tom

[Ratherbefishing75]

Just now, WRB said:

Aluminum prop is ok for 70hp OB. SST is more rigid flex less but why change if you are satisfied?

Tom

Well i was out with the wig and kiddos one day and i got a little to close to a rock  that wasn’t on the chart I had lol  it still works but it’s a little dinged up

Just now, Ratherbefishing75 said:

Well i was out with the wig and kiddos one day and i got a little to close to a rock  that wasn’t on the chart I had lol  it still works but it’s a little dinged up

Wife and kiddos lol

[J Francho]

I'd upgrade to a SS version of the same prop spec. I'd also see about repairing the Al prop and stowing it as a back up. 

[WRB]

The SST prop is more expensive but easier to repair when damaged. Welding aluminum props can be done wouldn’t advise that for a primary prop, good back up as John noted.

What year OMC? I would check the prop shaft for any leaks or wobble.

Tom

[Ratherbefishing75]

24 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I'd upgrade to a SS version of the same prop spec. I'd also see about repairing the Al prop and stowing it as a back up. 

That’s not a bad idea as it still does the job 

16 minutes ago, WRB said:

The SST prop is more expensive but easier to repair when damaged. Welding aluminum props can be done wouldn’t advise that for a primary prop, good back up as John noted.

What year OMC? I would check the prop shaft for any leaks or wobble.

Tom

No wobble. Thank goodness 

[Ratherbefishing75]

1 hour ago, Ratherbefishing75 said:

That’s not a bad idea as it still does the job 

No wobble. Thank goodness 

It’s a 1984 

[gim]

I went down the prop rabbit hole a few months ago.  Started a thread and got lots of great responses here.  There is so much variability when it comes to props, its mind blowing.

 

I would personally stick with what was working.  Changing out props and experienting with various pitches, blades, and material isn't worth the time and headaches required.

 

If the prop is damaged, you will obviously want to address that.  Don't continue to use a bent or dinged up prop.

[MN Fisher]

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

If the prop is damaged, you will obviously want to address that.  Don't continue to use a bent or dinged up prop.

Ya - prop that came with the 25 got dinged up during the 2022 season, so I needed a new one.

 

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

I would personally stick with what was working.  Changing out props and experienting with various pitches, blades, and material isn't worth the time and headaches required.

I got a headache trying to figure out what would work and what wouldn't - so finally just went with the same pitch/blades as the OEM prop...works just fine and I can get up to 25mph - not bad for a 25hp on a 14' 'fishing' boat.

[gim]

17 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I got a headache trying to figure out what would work

 

[airshot]

Bottom line is what is your wot RPM ?  Speed doesn't mean much, but if you over rev your motor, it won't last long !  Same thing if your pitch is to high, your motor will lug and use excess fuel, not healthy for long life.  Many folks carry two props, one gives max speed with a light load and another for getting heavy loads up on plane.  When using one or the other, the extra prop serves as a spare for emergencies.  I wouldn't waste your money on a SS prop, you won't see enough improvement to make the cost worthwhile !  Remember is SS is stronger, what else will break when you hit something ?  Aluminum props are cheap in comparison and give easily on impact and yes they are much cheaper than a new lower unit on your motor. 

[@reelChris]

I can't tell you what the right prop for your motor is, but I can tell you that Soderbloom's does great prop repair work through the mail.  Call them to get an idea of how long it might take, but for your size prop, with shipping, you're looking at about $65 with shipping to fix an aluminum prop to a condition that looks basically new:

 

https://www.soderbloom.com/proprepair.html

[J Francho]

That's a great price for a Al prop repair. Might be worth it at that rate. I've always run SS for anything over 50 hp. I'm running a Al prop on my merc Big Foot 50, but it's on a toon, and I'm fine with the 20 mph I'm getting at WOT. If I dinged my prop, I'd be looking into the shop above for sure.