Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Propeller [Which Is Best?]

Propellers are required to be made from non-corrosive materials for because they’ll be in water for most of the time.

When it comes to your boat’s propeller, you have two options.

Those are, aluminum and stainless-steel propellers.

Different types of propellers WILL affect your boat differently.

It’s important to understand how both propellers will affect your boats performance.

You shouldn’t just flip a coin as they both have their benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to factors such a performance, longevity, reliability, cost-effectiveness and efficiency, they differ.

Choosing the wrong propeller for your situation can negatively impact your boating experience so make sure you read this whole article to ensure you have a good idea of what they both have to offer.

For some, the aluminum propeller will be the better choice, whereas for others the stainless-steel propeller would be a better choice. There is no straightforward answer that would apply to everyone.

I’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages to both and compare the two together to give you a good idea of how they perform against each other.

Aluminum Propellers

The main benefits of aluminum propellers are their lightweight and efficiency. They also tend to be more cost effective, but still provide good performance.

The main problem you’ll run into when driving a pontoon boat with an aluminum propeller, is when conducting a tight turn, your propeller could cavitate and thus putting you into a dead stop momentarily.

Stainless-steel Propellers

The main benefit to a stainless-steel propeller is their strength. Stainless-steel is a very strong material which makes for solid boat propellers. Because of their strength stainless-steel propellers provide outstanding longevity. Seriously, these little things can last you a long time if not abused.

Though, they do tend to be high in cost and therefore not the most cost-efficient choice.

Comparison

Now you have a brief overview of what both propellers have to offer, it’s time to compare them! Comparison is important in understanding how they differentiate. I’ll be talking about the most important factors and telling you which performs better and why. We’ll be talking about their durability, strength, cost, hydrodynamics and performance.

Durability/Strength

Stainless-steel propellers tend to be stronger than aluminum propellers. They are more resistant to corrosion in saltwater and are less likely to sustain impact damage.

Because of how thick the blades are, the aluminum must be very bulky and thick to maintain its shape, so it doesn’t stretch or flew.

Though aluminum propellers are very durable, the stainless propellers are still significantly stronger and provide a lot more longevity.

Cost

Stainless steel propellers tend to cost more than aluminum propellers. Though prices vary, stainless-steel propellers can cost almost double the cost of an aluminum one. There is a significant price difference between the two props.

Despite the low cost, aluminum props do work very well and provide great value for money.

Because of this, aluminum props are a lot more cost effective.

Hydrodynamics

In terms of hydrodynamics, the stainless-steel propeller is the best choice.

This is because an aluminum propeller becomes a sort of cavitational storm because the blades are so thick. Every small nick that the propeller sustains causes more of a cavitational storm.  This means that you turn into a lot of slippage.

Performance

Aluminum propellers can cavitate and cause your boat to halt momentarily, killing your momentum. This can be a huge mood killer when participating in watersports. Imagine missing some good waves because of the material of your propeller.

Stainless-steel is a lot more efficient, and they have significantly less flex, which then provides a better top-end speed. Because of these reasons, I believe that steel propellers are the ideal choice for watersports.

Aluminum vs SS Prop: Summary

In summary, stainless steel propellers provide much better performance and have better longevity than aluminum propellers, however aluminum propellers are durable and sit at a more affordable price. This is all you must really know.

Where To Purchase A Propeller?

You can purchase both types of propellers from most boat shops, though you can also purchase them from online retailers such as Amazon. I’d always recommend purchasing from a boat shop if you’re a novice and don’t know exactly what you need. Though, if you know what you’re doing and know exactly what you need then It’s probably easier to buy it from Amazon.

Stainless Steel Propeller:

Aluminum Propeller

Conclusion

Now you know how both materials compare against each other. It’s time for you to do your own analysis and decide what works better for your situation.

If you’re on a tight budget and just want a boat to take your family on relaxing family boat trips or solo adventures, then the aluminum propeller may be better for you.

If you’ve got a need for speed or would like to participate in watersports such as towable tubing, then a stainless-steel propeller is a must-have. The performance they provide is essential for such activities.

If you boat in shallow waters where your propeller rubs along the mud or sand often then a stainless-steel propeller will last a lot longer. Though if your propeller is likely to hit into tough objects such as rocks then harsh damage is inevitable and perhaps it’s better to go with the cost-effective aluminum propeller as it will need replacing more often.

Let me know your thoughts down below. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Though, if you have any questions specifically related to your boat then you may need to visit a boat shop to seek professional guidance.