Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

[MM3Canuck]

So I had the boat out and hit a few stones at the boat launch. (just before taking the boat out) - (the prop was used and already slightly abused)

Didn't test it after for vibrations etc.

I am wondering if this prop will be fine for my next trip, or if I have to buy a new one??

The pics are attached.
One blade got a head on hit and put a nice flat spot on the edge,
on the other a stone actually sliced it, and I gently grinded it smooth.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

I've see people run with worse than that. It's certainly rebuildable.
As for using it, can you take it out for a short hop before your next trip?
That way you'll find out if out of balance or not while you still have time to swap it out.
Not a bad idea to have two props, anyway. Get a new one, put that on your boat, send this dinged up one in to get rebuilt and save it for a spare.
That way the next time you ding one up, you'll just swap and send that one in to be rebuilt.
My prop guy does 3 blade AL props for about $50, and the equivalent new prop goes for around $130.

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

that prop look almost new compared to some others i seen. I was on the river the other day and saw a guy pull off the ramp with a 3 blade prop that only had 1 and a half blades left on it and he was still using it. Not good for the motor at all

 

[j_martin]

Re: Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

File the burs off, and with a hammer and a backup piece of metal (like a mall head) tap the bumps and curls out of it.

You probably won't notice the difference on a small motor. Watch it for extending cracks and get it repaired before major pieces fall off. If you don't match the angle just right, it'll get corrected when the prop shop puts it on the jig and straightens it.

Like the last poster said, get another one and use this one for a spare. I carry a spare prop at all times just in case I shear a prop or tangle with a real rock.



hope it helps
john

 

[Doernuth]

Re: Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

What John said

 

[MM3Canuck]

Re: Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

Thanks guys!

That information was very helpful!

Will a local marine shop know what prop I should use on my 1972 50hp Johnson?
I read the entire prop thread about sizing and rpm, pitch etc. But I do not have an rpm gauge. I thought by inputting a motor size, I would get a proper prop size. But that?s not the case?hmmm

Is there anything else I should replace/lube or tune while I have the old prop off?

Also, do you guys know what the shop will, or should do with the damaged prop? (that way I know, that I am not getting ripped off!!)


Dennis

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

If you're satisfied with the prop you already have, there should be marking on it that tell the diameter and pitch. Take it with you to your prop shop and they should be able to help you select an identical one.
If you're not satisfied, they should be able to guide you in the right general direction if you tell them what you don't like.

Not exactly sure what you mean in your last question- what the shop will do with your damaged prop. But I'll give it a try anyway- not knowing the facts never stops me from offering up an opinion!

My prop guy is the actual rebuilder. I give him my prop, he fixes it and gives the same prop back. But I'm luck to live nearby. Many places just accept props for rebuild, but send them out- acting as an agent. Some places might give you your same fixed prop back, others might give you an identical one that's already been rebuilt.

Is that what you're wondering about?

 

[MM3Canuck]

Re: Can i still use this prop? (with pics)

My prop guy is the actual rebuilder. I give him my prop, he fixes it and gives the same prop back. But I'm luck to live nearby. Many places just accept props for rebuild, but send them out- acting as an agent. Some places might give you your same fixed prop back, others might give you an identical one that's already been rebuilt.

Is that what you're wondering about?

Well, this is my first boat, so its hard for me to say if the prop is the right one! But I think it performs well, and the boat gets out of the water quickly, considering its a '72.

Yes, I was just wondering how they actually rebuilt it. I wasn't aware that some shops actually swap props and you just get someone elses rebuilt prop.

I just called my shop, and they send it out to get rebuilt. It's $79 CDN plus taxes. He said that they will clean the prop, weld aluminum to it, sand it back down, re-bend it etc, and finally paint it. Is that too much? Considering a brand new prop form this guy will run me about $149-189 plus taxes.

Maybe I will just buy a new one, keep it as a spare, and see how the old one performs before I send it out to get rebuilt?

Since I am new to boating, I am afraid I will nick something else, and the result will be another $80!!!