How much prop damage before repair is needed

[Revtec]

I have a 3 blade aluminum prop with one of the blades bent about 1/4" as seen when moving the prop by hand and viewing how close the blades come to an object held in place. The blade looks normal except for a few dings at the edge.

The boat is new to me so I don't know what the boat felt like before the blade was bent. There does not seem to be excessive vibration now and if I hadn't accidentally noticed the bent blade would not have thought anything was wrong.

The basic question is this: How much damage is acceptable (to prevent motor damage) on a prop before having it reworked?

Another question since I may want to get a spare prop. What would be recommended prop for skiing given a 15' Sportscraft fiberglass boat with '81 70 HP Evinrude?

 

[steelespike]

Re: How much prop damage before repair is needed

The prop size should be on the barrel or under the prop nut.To do a prop selection we would need your prop size and your present rpm and speed.A tinytach is about $40 and easy to install.Wouldn't worry about a prop until you try your water sports.
As far as the bend it sounds like a little careful use of a hammer on a block of wood could straighten it.(remove from the motor first)If it still seems to measure off a little a repair may be the safest way.Minor problems aren't likely to cause problems but could over time wear bearings and seals.a much more costly repair than a prop repair.My son just had a fairly bad prop from a 88 50 hp evinrude done for about $35 here in central NY.

 

[Revtec]

Re: How much prop damage before repair is needed

Thanks for the reply. I have ordered a tach and will get back after I know more on the rpm.

I'll take your advise and try hitting the blade with a hammer a few times. When I pull the prop I will look for numbers on prop.

 

[Revtec]

Re: How much prop damage before repair is needed

Just got a tach installed.
rpm = 5100 at wot (max rpm range for this 70 hp Evinrude is 4500 - 5500)
speed = 29 mph
Load = 2 people & 12 gal fuel
The prop numbers are something like 7608372V but the 7608 has been X'd out and not completely sure of numbers. I presume the prop has been repaired? If so, can it be repaired again?

The OMC manual says original prop for this motor is 13 1/4" x 17 so I am considering a Solas Amita of that spec. Any comments on this prop?

Thanks for any replies.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: How much prop damage before repair is needed

Sounds like your existing prop is right on per the specs you posted.
From your description I think you prop could be easily rebuilt. I've had my 3 blade AL prop redone at least 3 times. It's surprising how repairable these things can be. This year that prop is my spare, as I swapped in a 4 blade SS prop.
I don't know a lot about the specific prop you're asking about but it sounds like it should work.