That is a good read. I have occasionally hit a rock (Utah Lake) or a ramp (Bear Lake) and based upon the following and the cost differential I will stick with aluminum props. Quoting from the article:
"Oddly enough, because of a stainless steel prop’s extreme durability, having your prop take a substantial hit could seriously affect the rest of your boat. Those blades won’t give if they are struck with something hard but the rest of the boat may give.
Be very wary if you have a stainless steel propeller and hit something very hard under water. Just because the prop looks okay does not mean that the rest of the boat is. More often than not, there will be an underlying issue within the boat due to a hit on the prop.
These appear to be the major benefits, but to me getting to my spot a minute or two later is not a problem:
"Overall Performance
The difference in performance between an aluminum and stainless steel prop is substantial. Stainless steel props have virtually no flexing compared to an aluminum prop. This makes them a lot more efficient in their performance compared to an aluminum prop."
"A stainless steel prop can outperform an aluminum prop by up to five MPH or around three MPH while cruising.
While this has been known to be a huge selling point when comparing an aluminum vs stainless steel prop, it is worth noting that this has changed over time. Due to different industrial breakthroughs such as different alloys and casting techniques, some well-produced aluminum props can outperform a stainless steel prop."
I deleted the extra row spaces, but they are still there.
"Oddly enough, because of a stainless steel prop’s extreme durability, having your prop take a substantial hit could seriously affect the rest of your boat. Those blades won’t give if they are struck with something hard but the rest of the boat may give.
Be very wary if you have a stainless steel propeller and hit something very hard under water. Just because the prop looks okay does not mean that the rest of the boat is. More often than not, there will be an underlying issue within the boat due to a hit on the prop.
These appear to be the major benefits, but to me getting to my spot a minute or two later is not a problem:
"Overall Performance
The difference in performance between an aluminum and stainless steel prop is substantial. Stainless steel props have virtually no flexing compared to an aluminum prop. This makes them a lot more efficient in their performance compared to an aluminum prop."
"A stainless steel prop can outperform an aluminum prop by up to five MPH or around three MPH while cruising.
While this has been known to be a huge selling point when comparing an aluminum vs stainless steel prop, it is worth noting that this has changed over time. Due to different industrial breakthroughs such as different alloys and casting techniques, some well-produced aluminum props can outperform a stainless steel prop."
I deleted the extra row spaces, but they are still there.