Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > Prop Talk
Brass vs. aluminum props >

Brass vs. aluminum props

Notices

Brass vs. aluminum props

Thread Tools
 
Old 12-30-2011 | 09:50 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL and FL Keys
Exclamation Brass vs. aluminum props

I have a 23 pitch LH aluminum prop on a 280 Volvo penta. Just purchased a brass 23 pitch LH prop. What benefits does the brass prop have over the aluminum to push my 24 P & D with a sbf pushing about 350 hp?
zavier24 is offline  
Reply
Old 12-30-2011 | 08:23 PM
  #2  
bbladesprops's Avatar
Offshoreonly Advertiser
20 Year Member
Offshoreonly Advertiser
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,878
Likes: 47
From: Princeton, Wisconsin
Smile

It really depends on the geometry. The blade form, area, cups, camber etc. may create better efficiency or top speed. Quite a bit of additional info would be needed.

Best idea is to try them and see.

Brett
__________________
Brett Anderson / BBLADES Professional Propellers
920-295-4435 http://www.bblades.com/
[email protected]
bbladesprops is offline  
Reply
Old 12-30-2011 | 08:27 PM
  #3  
C_Spray's Avatar
Diamond Member #001
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,808
Likes: 5
From: Coastal North Carolina
Default

They're actually bronze, not that it matters. Bronze is far more corrosion resistant. The bronze prop should flex less, possibly acting as if it had higher pitch. It should also be thinner, causing less drag.

Theoretically...
__________________
Retired! Boating full-time now.
C_Spray is offline  
Reply
Old 12-31-2011 | 02:45 AM
  #4  
tcelano's Avatar
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Default

Props are typically NiBrAl, a type of bronze alloy. It is quite strong, durable, and corrosion resistant. This material is the mainstay of yacht and commercial boat props. The blade sections are not quite as thin as stainless, but should be significantly better than Aluminum.
tcelano is offline  
Reply
Old 12-31-2011 | 12:47 PM
  #5  
bbladesprops's Avatar
Offshoreonly Advertiser
20 Year Member
Offshoreonly Advertiser
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,878
Likes: 47
From: Princeton, Wisconsin
Smile

Nibral is a nickel, bronze and aluminum alloy. It is commonly used in propeller options today.
We sell nibral CNC'd propellers from ACME to fit many specialized applications. Indeed they are a mainstay in the cruiser industry since they are more durable than aluminum and less costly than stainless.

zavier24 might actually have a brass propeller since back in the day we did make propellers out of brass. We actually have numerous brass propellers in the shop. They make great ornaments and conversation pieces.

Brett
__________________
Brett Anderson / BBLADES Professional Propellers
920-295-4435 http://www.bblades.com/
[email protected]
bbladesprops is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.