Pros and Cons of Aluminum and Stainless Steel Props

Pros and Cons of Aluminum and Stainless Steel Props

Aluminum props have been used for decades but prop manufactures have only recently started to make them in large quantities. This is largely because aluminum is a lighter weight material which makes the prop much more maneuverable in the water. The downside to aluminum, however, is that it is prone to corrosion under high stress conditions. This can make the aluminum prop degrade quickly and lead to poor performance. This means that the aluminum prop may not always be the best choice of watercraft.

Stainless steel props, on the other hand, are also lightweight but much more durable. They are typically made from stainless steel and are great for day-to-day use even in the harshest conditions. One reason that so many boaters prefer aluminum over stainless steel props is because aluminum weights about half as much as stainless steel. It is this lightness that allows the prop to be much more maneuverable, enabling a pilot to make quick turns and get out of tight situations. Prop manufactures have recently been making high quality prop parts from this metal which provide unparalleled performance.

Another pro for aluminum propellers is the ease with which they can be cleaned. Unlike stainless steel, aluminum does not attract or harbor rust. This means that the prop can be cleaned using regular soap and water and is far easier to maintain. It is also less expensive to maintain and is often free of sharp edges that can cut the pilot and passengers. All in all, aluminum propellers tend to be more user friendly than their stiffer metal counterparts.

However, some people favor stainless steel props simply because they look more rugged and elegant. Many boaters who fly bass boats or sail boats also prefer stainless prop models because of their aesthetic appeal. If you fall into this category, there are several options available to you, including prop kits which include both the aluminum and stainless steel prop types and then a carrying case.

If you prefer aluminum props but prefer stainless steel props, you can certainly find a set that works well together. Prop kits often come with a prop guard that fits over the prop and then wraps around the base to protect it from damage. In addition, stainless steel props usually come with foam propeller pads which are placed on the bottom of the aluminum prop shaft. These pads provide additional protection to the aluminum prop shaft and make for a more comfortable ride. When flying your aluminum craft, this is one easy way to make sure your aluminum prop works well.

You may also want to consider utilizing fiberglass, which works well especially when making aerobatically themed crafts like sailboats. Because aluminum doesn't conduct as much heat, a fiberglass propeller will help keep your craft cooler during flight. These are just a few of the many pros and cons associated with aluminum and stainless-steel propellers, so you should take some time to explore the possibilities before deciding which type of aluminum prop to purchase.

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