A good outboard prop should last for years and provide one with many hours of enjoyable boating.  Thankfully, there are many outboard boat propellers to choose from, so one should not have a problem getting a well made propeller at a reasonable price.  Following are some tips on how to choose the right one.

Does the Brand Name Matter?

The fact is that some brand names are better than others. A wise boat owner will make sure the propeller is made by a reputable company that is willing to back up the warranty.  Those who are unfamiliar with boat propellers may want read online reviews of the company in question before buying an expensive propeller.

Material

Most outboard boat propellers are made from either aluminum or stainless steel.  In some cases, aluminum is the best option, as it is affordable, reasonably durable and easy to repair.  However, boat owners who intend to do a lot of boating and so need top quality should invest in a stainless steel propeller.  These are more costly but can be used for any type of boating without incurring undue wear and tear, and you will see much better performance.

Blades

Outboard props are made to have either three or four blades.  The general rule of thumb is that larger boats should have four blade propellers while smaller boats work best with three blade propellers.  However, one will also need to consider the weight the boat will be carrying when buying a propeller.

Size

Propeller blades have different blade diameter measurements.  The larger the blades, the more power the propeller will have.  However, an individual with a small boat does not necessarily need an overly powerful outboard prop; in fact, such a prop is likely to use up more fuel than necessary.  A boat owner should check the boat’s owner manual and make sure the prop size is compatible with the engine type.  It is also important to make sure the propeller does not come into contact with any external portion of the boat engine.

Choosing a boat prop takes a little research.  One will need to make sure the new prop is the right size, type and make for the boat.  It is also important to make sure the prop is well made.  However, a wise boat owner that buys a well made prop that is compatible with the boat will save a lot of money in the long run, as a good prop will not need extensive repairs or an early replacement.

Tags: outboard prop, outboard propeller

This entry was posted on September 5, 2012 at 7:07 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Posted in Propellers by dbysnews Comments Off