Bay Propeller Inc.

PROPELLER MATERIALS

* ALUMINUM : Aluminum has a tensile strength of up to 40,000 psi, and is by far the most popular material used for outboards and stern drive recreational boat propellers. It is inexpensive, has good strength and is easily repaired.

* STAINLESS STEEL : Stainless steel has a tensile strength of up to 80,000 lb. psi. and is the strongest and most durable of materials used for outboard and stern drive propellers. Stainless Steel propellers can be made thinner for better efficiency. The repair cost of stainless steel propellers is approximately double the cost of the same propeller made of aluminum.

* PLASTIC & COMPOSITE MATERIAL : Plastic and composite material propellers flex considerably under high loads and can not be repaired if damaged, but they are good on trolling motors and low horsepower outboards.

* MANGANESE BRONZE : Manganese bronze has a tensile strength of up to 65,000 lb. psi and is used on inboard boats of up to moderate horsepower. Manganese bronze propellers are reasonably priced and repairable. Manganese bronze propellers can cause corrosion on aluminum surfaces if used in salt water.

* NIBRAL: ( Nickel, Aluminum, Bronze) : Nibral has a tensile strength of up to 95,000 lb. psi and is very durable. Nibral is typically used on high performances Ski boats, Inboard cruisers and Sport fishing yachts with high horsepower and high r.p.m.'s. A material selector guide is available to help you determine which material is suited for your particular application. Nibral is repairable and initial cost is 30-36 % more than Manganese bronze.