I am just curious whether it is even worth it to put a SS prop on say a 50 hp motor? Is the performance even going to make any bit of difference to make the switch worth it?

no performance difference.

the sst prop just last ALOT longer. in the long run the sst prop is cheaper.

the only time i'd NOT run a sst prop is on pin drive motors. the sst prop is too heavy for that prop shaft.
anything else, and i'm all for a stainless prop.

an aluminum is just fine, you can run a lot of years on aluminum for the price you will spend on a SS.

What yr/make 50hp do you have? I might have a SS I will send you dirt cheap (aluminum prop price).

after 16 yrs of the prop business i will tell ya this.

the average is, a guy will repair an alum prop 6-8 times before he has to repair one sst prop.
the big problem is an alum. prop should only be repaired 2-3 times, then it's trash!!
an sst prop can be repaired countless times, depending on the damage.

so I guess that when you hit something, an aluminum prop gives, and limits/minimizes catastrophic damages "normally" but a SS often times the prop shaft is also toast from bending or breaking.

So I guess you gotta ask yourself, do ya feel lucky? How often do you hit hard objects under water? Stumps? Rocks?

If you run in shallow off shore "sand" I would concur a SS is THE way to go, clam shells and sand will tear up an aluminum prop, where a SS will keep on going.....

Talk to someone that has been in the prop business for a while, they will tell you, (unless selling you the prop) with an aluminum prop you have a better chance of not having "other" engine damage as well. not a gurantee, however there is a better chance of you not having to replace engine parts to go along with your SS prop.....

I have a 1990 Yamaha.

hmm, I had a 1995 mercury 50hp if you can figure out if it fits, I will see if I can find the prop.

Steve would never steer anyone wrong

I have a stainless prop on my Yamaha 50 2stroke and find it is much more durable. Stuff that would ding an aluminum prop might not even scratch the SS prop. Stuff that would break an aluminum prop might only slightly ding a SS prop. SS will last a whole lot longer than an aluminum prop. I take this boat shallow a lot and have run into a few underwater obstructions with no noticable damage.