| rect propeller is important for the optimum | | | | only drawback is that when stainless steel props |
| performance of the boat. The size of the | | | | collide with an obstacle, the jolt resonates and |
| propeller, the style of the propeller and the | | | | damages the motor. Aluminum is lightweight and |
| maximum horsepower that the boat propeller will | | | | corrodes in salt water. When an aluminum prop |
| give in water are points to consider when | | | | hits an obstacle it breaks but prevents damage to |
| comparing boat propellers. The propeller must also | | | | the engine. Composite props give good |
| meet the unique needs and desires of the boater. | | | | performance and are inexpensive. |
| The propeller will have to match the RPM | | | | The engine of the boat is an important |
| requirements specified by the manual of the boat | | | | consideration. The prop should be purchased to |
| engine. | | | | suit the manufacture of the engine, the |
| The first consideration when comparing boat | | | | horsepower of the engine, the model and the |
| props is size (i.e. diameter of the prop). The | | | | year when the engine was made. The manual of |
| diameter and pitch should suit the needs of the | | | | the engine is a good reference for comparing |
| boat and the configuration of the boat engine. The | | | | props. |
| pitch should give optimum performance for the | | | | The price is an important factor in purchasing a |
| RPM of the propeller. Some boats may require a | | | | prop. Good props are available at discount rates. |
| large diameter and low pitch while others may | | | | The internet has many websites which offer |
| require a high pitch but a small diameter. After | | | | discounted props. All types of props are available |
| ascertaining the size requirements, boaters can | | | | at affordable rates for all types of engines. The |
| evaluate among the different props available for | | | | propeller should give optimum performance. An |
| the configuration. | | | | expensive prop is not necessarily the best |
| The number of blades of the prop is a second | | | | propeller. |
| point of comparison. Four blade props give better | | | | If the boater is looking for a spare emergency |
| performance fuel economy, better lift for the | | | | prop, weight should be considered. Aluminum |
| boat and grip on water. They give better speed | | | | props weigh much less than stainless steel props. |
| for large boats on slow water. Three blade props | | | | Plastic props have become popular as emergency |
| give better top end speed and they are the ideal | | | | props. However, aluminum props can be repaired |
| props for racing. If the use of the boat changes | | | | while plastic props cannot be repaired if they |
| and an upgrade is required from a three to a four | | | | break during a collision. |
| blade prop, the four blade prop should be | | | | The type of boat is a factor to consider. Fishing |
| purchased at the same cost. | | | | boats, cruisers, pontoons and other boats used on |
| The material out of which the prop is made is an | | | | slow water may require a different type of prop |
| important consideration. Most props are made of | | | | while speed boats and boats that ply on the high |
| either stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel | | | | seas require a different type of prop. |
| gives good performance and is non corrosive. The | | | | |