stainless impellers

jetsled1 · 11-19-2002, 07:54 PM

I have just purchased a new Intruder with a 115 merc pump, my question is the dealer said I would not benefit from a stainless impeller due to not having enough horse power to flex it properly, at first I accepted his answer not knowing any better, but I read on this thread about a couple of 50-70 HP motors for sale that have stainless impellers, what is the scoop on stainless impellers, are they worth the money and what are the benefits, I am happy with the way my boat performs, but just like anybody faster is always better.

Jeffhead · 11-19-2002, 08:02 PM

JS1,
What dealer told you that!?!?! and what impellor do you have on your pump now??? The 4 blade SS impellor gives you more HP for 2 reasons, the 4 blade design and that it DOES NOT FLEX like an aluminum impellor will. I had a 115 on the back of our sled and the 4 blade SS made a dramatic difference in the performance. I have heard that the 115 is about the smallest motor you want to put one onb. The ultimate fix for us was to put a 150/105 with a 4 blade impellor on it. A SS impellor for your pump will run right around $400 and will give you 5 to 10 more HP.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

Joe · 11-19-2002, 08:33 PM

jetsled 1,
I have a 150/105 Jet and noticed a substantial improvement coming out of the hole when I switched to a S/S impeller. Another plus is that I hardly ever have to re-shim ( which I was always doing with the 4 blade aluminum). One other point is that my engine would over-rev (6000+ RPM) with aluminum. That prblem was fixed as well. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

All in all it is money well spent!

My biggest waste of money was to have Tom's Outboard "supertune" my shoe?

Just made it more difficult to replace the wear ring with no increase in performance. :whazzup:

mallard0311 · 11-19-2002, 08:52 PM

With a tricked out shoe with filed impellars and all the cavaties that stop flow filled in, will increase performance when used with a filed and tuned 4 blade. Much harder to sharpen than the old 3 blade standard,

Tilla · 11-19-2002, 09:28 PM

It is out of the hole performance that you get with the new ones. It's considered a standard upgrade by many, especially when you put a few bodies in the boat.

Hookset · 11-19-2002, 09:51 PM

Another point..... when you start running skinny water and sucking up rocks is when you'll see the advanatges of stainless over aluminum. Even if you stay in deeper water while running, you'll pull the boat near shore and suck a few rocks. You should look at some older pumps with an aluminum impellor, that'll help you decide. Rounded edges and missing metal will steal horsepower. A impellor needs to cut through the water, not smash it.

What I wonder about is optimum performance with a stainless impellor on your 115hp. If they still make 3 blade stainless impellors, I wonder if that might work better then a 4 blade and match your output better with less drag?

best of luck,

Gregg

Predator Dawg · 11-20-2002, 05:46 AM

I just put a SS on my 150. I called Wooldridge and spoke with those guys about it and they answered all my questions. I would check with them on your 115 before doing it. I bought mine from them when all was said and done since they were so helpful. I would think a 115 has plenty of power to warrant an impellor upgrade. The biggest key was pointed out by Hookset. Your leading edges will always be sharp and no flex throughout the blade. Its like you are coming off a fresh tuneup every time.