Islander prop problems

[Omineca]

First time in the water with our 1983 Islander 191V and we didn't get very far. The AQ145A started to rev very fast, and we slowed down. The prop was spun.

Limped back to shore and removed the prop from the Penta 280 leg to find the hub was a kind of rubber which had become unbonded to its splined center. Visiting the local boat guy got us a lot of head shaking, plus "you won't find that".

The prop is numbered SMC338 MICHIGAN. It appears to be a 14" diameter, probably 15" pitch. Phone call to the nearest Penta agent and I was told that I should have a 15"x17" prop and they could get me one in a week from Toronto or a little more from the States.

So I am confused.
1. Should it be this difficult to get a prop?
2. Should I be getting a 14x15 prop for this boat or the larger prop suggested by the dealer? The previous owner talked about using trim tabs to help get on the plane. I just want to cruise fairly economically on some longish cruises, 50 miles a day or so. No water skiing! But I'd still like to plane easily and move at 20 knots or so.
3. Do I have to be careful to get a prop that matches my splined shaft, or should that be standard for a 280 leg?
4. Finally, is the old-style rubber hub my only option, or is it possible to fit the newer type with easy-swap plastic hub?
5. Final finally, best options for getting a prop, west coast or Canada?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. From what I know and at this late hour here…I can tell you that I have it in my head that a boat around that size and with the 4 pot car derived 145 engine…there was usually two options on prop with the likely gear ratio she should have. Would be a 14x15 or a 14x17. Most likely the 17” pitch would be best suited. But I’ll caveat that by saying, that would be if she was in perfect health and the boat was as light as she was new etc etc.
with regards to prop suitability and inter changing…there aren’t many options for this, with the 280 SP. it’s either VP oem or Michigan marine. Forget any alternatives. If you run heavy loaded, stick with the 15”. Or if you’re mechanical sympathetic to your engine I’m her old age…likewise. Just watch the rpm at the top end.
I suppose I might also ask why you might not be tempted just to get another hub put in the prop you have and repair her to new again. Unless she is too worn and thin to do so ?
Should you be partial to the boat and she is a keeper or sentimental…throw a lovely used 3.0 gm VP in her and a nice wee sx outdrive. Will transform the old girl.

 

[Omineca]

Thank you.
Hoping to get replies from Starcraft Islander owners. Disappointed this thread was moved.