Newbie: Changing Prop?

[opoteat]

Not new at boating but new at the doing it myself part. I have a 2001 200 Johnson Ocean Pro with a very dented/pitted aluminum prop... most of the damage came from a trip a few years ago to Ocracoke... very shallow and I found myself aground a few times...<br /><br />I'd like to replace it with a stainless steel prop. It seems to be a repair that I can complete myself. Is that generally true? If so any other special tools needed other than the prop wrench? Any special "gotchas" you can point out?<br /><br />Also, any suggestions for a good prop? I have a 21 foot Wellcraft cuddy cabin boat powered by my Johnson 200 Ocean Pro. I've read some good stuff on here about Raker 22s maybe? <br /><br />Any help will be appreciated. Looks like hurricanes are going to rain out my need for the boat this weekend but just in case I'd like to be ready.

 

[MarkHPCA]

Re: Newbie: Changing Prop?

What is the pitch of your one now and how many revs is the motor doing? This way we can estimate what you need.

 

[opoteat]

Re: Newbie: Changing Prop?

So this is a really dumb question and shows my lack of knowledge... how do I determine the current pitch? Is it marked on the current prop? Thanks for the reply.

 

[MarkHPCA]

Re: Newbie: Changing Prop?

No dumb questions here. We were all dumb at one time <br /><br />Look on the prop, there shuld be some kind of ID. Sometimes it is on the hub. If it is like 14X22 it means 14" diameter 22" pitch. If just a number post it and hopefully someone may be able to look it up.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Newbie: Changing Prop?

Yes it is. Usually on the inside of the hub. Sometimes on the side of the prop hub. <br /><br />If you have never taken the prop off, it may be seized somewhat. Otherwise, sure it's an easy thing to do.

 

[Bradster941]

Re: Newbie: Changing Prop?

Never run a dented prop. <br />Not only because of loss of performance, but more importantly, it will be out of balance.<br />This will cause wear on the bearings and seals leading to big repair cost.<br />When you ding up a prop, send it out to the prop shop to be reworked.<br />They will straighten, replace chipped sections, balance and even paint it.<br />In my area the cost usually runs around $45.oo

 

[opoteat]

Re: Newbie: Changing Prop?

My area happens to be the mountains of NC... we trailer to the OBX 3 or 4 times per year. I wish we were close enough to good service. I did have it straightened and painted after the incident... but it was just a local machine shop... he left a few gouges and I'm sure it's out of balance... <br /><br />I really appreciate the help and patience. Does anyone have any experience with the Pirahna composite blades? In theory since I don't have a good repair shop anywhere around it makes sense to be able to replace the blades as needed. I'll get out in the rain tonight and look up the pitch and post that here. <br /><br />Thanks for the help.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Newbie: Changing Prop?

At the advice I have received here, I purchaced a STILLETO pro>>>Very efficient prop>>.and you can find it at a much better price then most other S.S. props. The TURBO props is supposed to be the next step up in perfomance>>>but requires more critical setup.>>>do a search for STILETTO PROPS.