How much play is acceptable

[MagothyMike]

When I pull on my propeller I get a small amount of play. I pull dirctly out and I get maybe a 1/4 inch or less of play. Is this considered acceptable? I have been trying to diagnose a problem and so far everything else in the Alpha one checks out. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How much play is acceptable

Ayuh,... It's about 1/8" to Maybe 3/16",... That's Normal...

 

[Don S]

Re: How much play is acceptable

There is some end play in the shaft, but not 1/4" are you sure you aren't feeling play in the prop itself.

Why don't you just tell us what problem you are trying to diagnose instead of asking things that may or may not have anything to do with your problem.?

 

[MagothyMike]

Re: How much play is acceptable

The problem started when I wore out a prop hub. It was "hogged" out in the back side of the hub. I changed it out this spring and after a few trips, the hub was hogged out again on the back end. I changed to a spare prop that I had that was fashioned with a sturdier hub. I ran the boat and normal speeds were achieved. Boat sat in the slip for a few days, and when I went out and asked for throttle, the boat took forever toplane and speeds were down by about 7 mph. I pulled the boat and inspected the hub. Hub was fine. This is why I asked if the play in the prop shaft was a sign of something failing.

 

[Don S]

Re: How much play is acceptable

You have the wrong prop hub spacer (or none at all) between the shaft and drive housing. Different props take different hubs. Has nothing to do with play in the prop shaft.

EDIT: here is the spacer I am referring to.