New prop?

workerbee606

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
60
Ok, I was out on the lake last weekend and had the boat beached so we could eat lunch and relax, well a few ski boats came by and the wakes pushed me into the shore so I nudged the boat so the aft was back in deeper water and started the engine and backed up and then pulled her back onto the beach. Well a while later I am swimming around while at anchor and I slide my hand around the prop just to check it out and the back edge of all three blades is fough as crap now, like someone took a file to the back edges. The baleds look true but the back edge is rough as can be , no dings just rough. This boat and motor are only three months old, should I get a new prop and keep the original as a spare and clean up the rough edges with a file or what? The boat runs about the same realy, only difference I noticed was a slight hint of the rpm's jumping above wht she ran before, basicly the motor will run the same rpm for same speed but will fluctuate just a bit now, not much just 100 rpm's or so but you do notice it when running wide open on calm water if you listen and watch the tac.
 

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Messages
1,793
Re: New prop?

From your description sounds like you could just clean it up with a file. A spare prop is always a good idea to have along to. Guessing you never paid as much attention to speed and rpm before and nothing much has really changed in that area.
 

The Rooster

Ensign
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
936
Re: New prop?

From your description sounds like you could just clean it up with a file. A spare prop is always a good idea to have along to. Guessing you never paid as much attention to speed and rpm before and nothing much has really changed in that area.


+1 ^^^. Just clean it up, no need for a new one. Would be nice to keep a used aluminum spare though.
 

workerbee606

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
60
Re: New prop?

I can for sure clean off the burrs with a file, and I do think next spring I will get a spare prop. I was told by the boat dealership not to run a stainless prop due to the increased chance of breaking a shaft if I hit something hard and the aluminum props are way cheaper! Do you guy's feel the same way? Thanks for the advice.
 

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: New prop?

Yes I wouldn't worried about it, props are going to get dinged.
 

The Rooster

Ensign
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
936
Re: New prop?

I can for sure clean off the burrs with a file, and I do think next spring I will get a spare prop. I was told by the boat dealership not to run a stainless prop due to the increased chance of breaking a shaft if I hit something hard and the aluminum props are way cheaper! Do you guy's feel the same way? Thanks for the advice.

Many times it's just personal preference "Bee". It can sometimes depend on the size of the motor and barge. It was not recommended for my application. Too much slippage and blade flex. Would have been nice though. My 14 1/4 x 19 SS runs approx. $525.00. Good luck !!!
 

Bamaman1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
1,895
Re: New prop?

It all depends on the quality of your boat, size of the motor and how you use your boat. I used to crunch a prop a year on my inboard outboard until I bought a new boat with a stainless prop. It lasted 10+ years with not even a scratch--until I blew the engine.

You can get a local prop shop to renew your propeller for less money than a new aluminum prop. You might could file the burrs away, but there's no insurance that the prop will be balanced correctly.

I personally think any boat over 115 horsepower needs a stainless prop.
 
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