New boater needs advice

[ArcherX]

Hello all, need some answers to some question i have after my first few trips.<br />First off how much damage can a prop take before it needs to be fixed.Right now i have a couple nicks and a couple of small dents, about 3/16ths long and 1/8 off.<br />Second, ive noticed at low speeds , like heading to the boat ramp, that my bow sways left and right.It does not do this past idle speed.Thanks<br /><br />MikeG

 

[Down South]

Re: New boater needs advice

I guess the most important thing is to not let the prop get so out of balance that it causes vibration. You probably have an aluminum prop on your motor and they can get banged up easily. If this is the case I would consider investing in a Stainless Steel prop and keeping the old aluminum one for a spare. The stainless prop will take a lot more abuse and a spare prop can sure get you out of a bind out on the lake.<br /> You didn't mention what kind of boat you have and what size it is. It's normal for larger hevier boats such as bass boats to sway like this at idle speeds.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[ArcherX]

Re: New boater needs advice

I have a 2001 Crestliner sportfish 1850 w/ a 150 OB merc.<br />Sounds like the swaying is normal and i tried the prop and not much if any vibration is accuring.Thanks for the info!<br /><br />ps: Anyone know where a good crestliner thread/board could be found?<br /><br />mike g

 

[Boatist]

Re: New boater needs advice

Crestliner and any V hull will wonder at low speeds like 5MPH. Just try not to over steer. The Prop if bent or out of balance can cause wear on lower and damage seals. If it is not too bad take a file and remove the burs. The Idea is to smooth it out while removing as little metal as possible. The Stainless are 5 times as strong as aluminum and thiner but if you run agouund also more likely to break gears or shaft in drive. Main point here is never never run aground or hit a rock. Stay out of ahallow water. Shallow water can hurt people and destroy Equipment. I use a stainless prop with a Aluminum as a backup on a 21 foot Crestliner. If you do get a new prop and keep old for spare it is a good time to make sure you have right pitch for your engine and boat. If it came on boat new probably right but if bought used never know.

 

[troyo]

Re: New boater needs advice

how do you tell if the prop is out of balance ? mine, too, has little nicks and such , in particular, about a month or two ago, hit a decent sized rock that kicked it up pretty good