Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

[bez511]

Good evening from freezing cold New Hampshire. My very first post here.

I have a 2004 Glastron GX185 with a Volvo Penta SX, 4.3GL-D, 190HP engine. We hit a rock this past summer and chipped the prop. I can't find the pitch number anywhere on the prop or drive. It's an aluminim SX single prop. Does anyone know what pitch I should be looking for in a replacement for this boat? Thanks in advance for any input you can provide!

-Can't wait for summer.....

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

did you take the prop off and look at it very closely, in the hub area too?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

There should be a thrust washer at the end of the prop, there should be numbers at the base of the prop there. It could be really hard to see, however...

 

[bez511]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

Thanks for the replies. My uncle actually has the prop at the moment and he and a dealer were looking for the pitch number and they couldn't find any numbers anywhere on it. I'll have him look again, but it sounds like theres nothing there. Is the desired pitch mostly based on the HP of the engine and boat size?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

Sounds like a pretty standard rig, so you should have someone chime in here sooner or later.....

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

Have you considered having the prop repaired?

This was suggested to me by my local marina (Fort Worth, TX) and it saved me quite a bit of money.

Even if you go the new route, having the old one repaired for use as a spare might be a good idea too.

BTW, the number on my prop is in very tiny shallow numbers between two of the blades (on the "hub" part).

 

[JimS123]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

Don't go to a "Dealer" unless he sells the same boat and has access to the Manufacurer's performance literature.

Go to a "Prop Shop". If there truly is no stamp on it, he can measure the pitch and diameter. A reputable prop shop should also have technical books that will tell you what you need, or he can recommend a prop based on his experience. Most of them will also take a prop back if it doesn't do what you want it to do.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

If it was OEM it was probably around a 21.

thats just a guess though

 

[rs1lollie]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

check this out, it my help.
http://www.volvopentastore.com/prop...vo+Penta&year=2004&rotation=Standard&x=42&y=6

 

[bez511]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

Thanks everyone. I found it to be a 14.25 x 23.

 

[bez511]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

Actually I have one other question. If I'm replacing my prop with a new one made by a different company do I need to replace the hub as well? Or is there no need since I'm replacing it with the exact same size prop?

Thanks!

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

The short answer is yes, if the hub is good you can buy just the prop.

I've just spent the last week researching props and this is what I learned:

Basically there are two styles, one piece and two piece.

A one piece uses a rubber bushing to connect the hub to the prop. If the bushing goes bad, the hub can spin inside the prop, thus resulting in a loss of power. A prop shop can install a new bushing, thus repairing a "spun hub."

The two piece hubs have the advantage of pretty much a guaranteed non-slip configuration, but still provide a mechanical means to protect the motor should the prop hit something hard. I've looked at two different two piece props (Hustler and Volvo Penta, both available at iboats.com), and both employ different hubs. So you need to match the prop to the hub. The two piece hubs generally mean replacing just the prop is less than replacing a one piece prop. Though hub prices vary, and generally a more expensive hub means a less expensive prop, thus the cost to have more than one prop (e.g. one for skiing and one for performance) is less.

Hope that helps.

Eric

 

[bez511]

Re: Need to replace prop, don't know pitch

Thanks for the response Eric, I appreciate it. I ended up going with an aluminum Hustler with hub kit. Been using it all summer and it's worked great.