Stainless vs nibrial Props

Bent my prop the other day and the only thing in town is a stainless Cutter prop would you use a stainless prop and if not why.

From what I understand, you are not supposed to use a stainless prop because it is too strong.

If you hit something you would have a better chance of bending the driveshaft and causing other major damage with a stainless because it is not as soft as nibrial. The nibrial is supposed to be the weakest/most flexible spot of the drivetrain.

But, I have always used nibeial props and 5 out of 6 times of bending the prop, I have also bent the driveshaft.

So, I think the theory is crap but I keep using Nibrial props out of habit and availability.

Stainless is harder, and if you hit something with it, chances are that you'll bend the strut and/or shaft, as opposed to the prop. Nibral is the way to go unless you ride in an environment that you don't have to wory about hitting anything, and obviously you don't.

I have a stainless Cutter prop 13 x 13½ and all is well. I changed from a nibrial after it had a meeting with the bottom of the boat ramp (not me driving ).

I have seen some posts where some people have not been happy with the finish/quality of Cutter props but mine is just fine. Try to inspect the prop before you purchase. They are teamed up with 6 boat manufactures now as well, which I see as a positive.

They also have this on there web site:
"Try one on your boat. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your new propeller, please contact us and we will arrange for a product exchange or refund. Our goal is to have people like you, using our propeller, and excited to tell someone else about it!"
http://www.cutterprops.com


Pluses for stainless:
Stronger and more durable.
Better performance (very subjective).
Looks better to most people.

Minus for stainless:
Claims of stainless sometimes being to strong when hitting something, and causing prop shaft to go out of alignment. (my thought is if you hit something that hard, you're gonna break something no matter what prop you've got)
Cost more.


Another note: I believe my boat dealer orders all there boats with Cutter Stainless props now. It is a Supra/Moomba dealer.

(Message edited by cws_kahuna on May 29, 2003)

Tom,
I replaced my prop with a stainless cutter and have had no problems with it. Recent posts recommend Acme props… I have not tried them.

I got what my dealer had so I could ride that day and now use my old prop as a back up.

Note with a stainless prop if you do hit small stuff it won’t do anything. I switched to a different pitch and notice a big difference in holeshot… not sure how much of it is from the material and how much is do to the pitch.

I have about 100 hours on it and not a scratch.

So are you still getting a new Dodge??

It the same for me all the dealers here only have the cutter prop and I want to ride this weekend and if I send in my old prop it will take a week to get back. Might try the stainless and yes I am still getting the new Dodge first goodie for it will be a Johnny Law detector.

(Message edited by tcaton on May 29, 2003)

FYI... NiBrAl = Nickel Brass Aluminum.