Composite Props

[jake]

Has anyone used a composite prop on their inboard?

[mtnsmith]

Does someone make one? Knew someone that had one as a backup on a sterndrive, said it was too flexy, but replacing only one blade when you hit something was cool.

[da.bell]

No and I am not sure why you would do that. The props that are currently used by tige allow the blades to bend if you hit obstacles under the water and not bend or damage (or minimize the damage) to the shaft and engine or mounts.

There is after market steal props that can be installed but IMO, you are taking the chances of damaging the shaft if you hit an under water obstacle.

Personally, there are tons of obstacles under the waterlines here in CA because of the low water or the river. Numerous boats have had 6k+ damage because they have hit this obstacles and they had the bronze props. It would have been a lot worse with the steal props

[jake]

Went to a large boat salvage yard the other day....employee said look, that's what you need for a spare. Sure as hell....there were composites of every size. I/O's and Outboard style.

Need a spare, and he said their half the price. So....Thought I'd ask before we take the Wetsound boat to Key West in 7 weeks.

[da.bell]

You might want to check into the numbers before you purchase any prop. If you get the wrong prop, you could be running an high RPM's and only going 5 MPH or vice-versa.

IMO, not a good idea and you should stay with the bronze props. You can get a "weekend saver" kit for a better sense of security.

[mtnsmith]

If you are wanting a spare I would just buy exactly what is on there. Especially if you are going to big pine cause if the "spare" prop is just made to get you home like the composite props, then what are you going to do for a replacement prop? There is nothing down there as far as a shop to buy another or have the original repaired. To save the trip I'd just buy a full replacement.

Was it Don's you were at by the way? They have a NO return policy so if you buy something there make sure it is what you want first.

[R&T Babich]

Our last boat was a Merc sterndrive 302 Ford and I ran a Pirahna composite prop on it. Worked great, but they don't make them for inboards. I wouldn't think it could take the torque a GM 350 can put out. The 4 blades slid into a hub and each blade could be replaced. The 1st one we had broke a blade on a rock at Nacimiento. Two more blades just broke off and the 4th had stress ribs at the base of the blade. They redesigned the blades with a much thicker base when we got a new set with a lower pitch. No problems after that. The lower pitch was great, just like putting an Acme #537 13.5x16 on our 21V to replace the original OJ 14x18.

http://www.piranha.com/

Get an exact replacement or checkout a lower pitch if you want more pull out of the hole.
Checkout ebay, I just got a brand new #Acme 537, puller, wrench, nut and bag for $284 (including shipping).

[MoneyPity]

Went to a large boat salvage yard the other day....employee said look, that's what you need for a spare. Sure as hell....there were composites of every size. I/O's and Outboard style.

Need a spare, and he said their half the price. So....Thought I'd ask before we take the Wetsound boat to Key West in 7 weeks.

I owned a 4 blade composite prop for my I/O and with a 5.0L only turning 190 hp at the prop the composite was only good to limp home. With an in board turning 340+ HP and gobs of torque the composite prop wil just flex and cavitate.

da,bell has the right reccomndation. Get a weekend save kit from ACME where you specify a ACME prop that originally came with boat and the kit will provide prop puller, prop wrench and a new key. It is an investement but worth it.

How bought a group shor of you and the family around your new toy.

[jake]

Bit the Bullet and bought the Acme 1235 instead. $575.00 then bought the weekend saver kit too.

Also got the Garmin 535S and a Vision SD card. The two should keep us in check for spring break.

Now....If I could just speed up the damn banks!

[turbonine]

Second on the ACME 1235. It will do so much better than the stock 537.

[Carter13]

What does the Acme 1235 do? Better out of the hole with ballast?

[da.bell]

^^^ Yes

[Carter13]

Thanks Da.

[TeamAllen]

Bit the Bullet and bought the Acme 1235 instead. $575.00 then bought the weekend saver kit too.

Also got the Garmin 535S and a Vision SD card. The two should keep us in check for spring break.

Now....If I could just speed up the damn banks!

Good call on the ACME prop. and the weekend saver kit as well. I had never heard of that model, Garmin, before. That is a serious GPS you got. I use a little hand held Garmin Oregon 300. Enjoy them both.

[chpthril]

What does the Acme 1235 do? Better out of the hole with ballast?

^^^ Yes

Thanks Da.

Yes, but only for a specific set up i.e engine, trans, altitude, etc. Call ACME and tell them what you got and what you want to accomplish, they will set you up with the correct prop for your application.