OEM vs aftermarket

[Philthyphil]

I want to get my current prop rebuilt as when it's not dented it works fine. I have an 87 erude 90. I can go to my local dealer and buy an identical prop and it just slips right on and price is not bad. I can also go online and buy several different types of props for probably 25 % savings after shipping. All these seem to need some kind of adapter or "hub kit" More pieces ,more bits ,and kinda reminds me of "universal fit" wheels etc. Ya they fit a bunch of cars but none of them properly. I'll have my rebuilt oem, is it worth looking at all these others? I'm really tempted to stick with oem, as a retired bodyman I'v seen all kinda aftermarket stuff thats crap.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

I don't have a lot of experience with aftermarket props, but I can tell you that the aftermarket cupped aluminium prop I bought for my 30 hp Johnson last year way out performed the factory prop. It handled better and gave me a few extra Km/h.

The one I bought cost $100 USD (+$20 brokerage fees) with hub to my door whereas the OEM prop was $180 CDN before taxes. The next time I buy a prop it won't be OEM.

 

[Philthyphil]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

Tell me more please...ie where did you by the prop? online and what type was it? and how does this hub adaptor work? Also I have a 10hp johnson that is in pretty good shape if you want it. I think it's about a 58, it's maroon. I'll check tommorow if you want and get some numbers. I'm in Binbrook so you could pick it up. Someone who collects old outboards should have it, I'm too busy with old bikes and old cars....lol

 

[wbeaton]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

Check your PM's, Phil.

The prop I bought was a Rascal by Turning Point. I did an internet search and found the best deal. I also bought it in January since everyone seemed to have them one sale then. iboats sells them as well. The hub is just a plastic like piece that slides on the prop shaft and the prop goes on top. Very simple and if you get a new motor you just buy a new hub (if you need to).

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

The removable hub is so one prop will fit many make motors. In the past they had to produce a given prop with a Merc hub, an OMC hub, a Yamaha hub, a Suzuki hub.....well, you get the idea. Now they produce one model prop and dealers like iboats have to stock far less and can adapt as needed.

They really push the idea that if you spin a hub you can change it on the water. If you have a hub kit. Trust me, they did it for manufacturing purposes not for the convenience of the dealers or customers.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

So that's what it's all about.

D, since you are online here, what are your thoughts on the ability of these hubs to tolerate a good strike as compared to a rubber hub?

I bought a Turning Point Hustler and upon examining how it's built, it looks like a good whack and you have one big mess. There's nothing to slip or spin without breaking plastic.

Mark

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

That's been a subject that's been avoided. The old standard rubber hub definately offers more protection but if you spin it on the water, you're done with that one - out with the spare. There are versions of the replaceable system that are basically solid. In my pea-brain it seems there is little or no gearcase protection at all but no one worries about it. Just another nail in the coffin for the "hit bottom & tear up the gears" theory.

The standard kits all have plastic or hard rubber to break or whatever. But they're still gonna transmit a pretty healty shock. Apparently the good gears (yes, there's good ones and not-so-good ones) are better than we thought.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

I'm no expert, but I have bought 2 different aftermarket props for different
boats, and they both performed better than the oem props.

For a 90hp Merc outboard, I bough a Hustler prop from iboats.com when
it was on sale. It was a bargain, and it perfomed better than the original
oem prop.

For a Volvo sterndrive, I bought a prop from Propcopropellers.net after discussing the prop with their salesperson. They make their own props, and it also turned out to be a good buy, and a better performing prop than the oem.

My 2 cents about 2 props. I'll stay with the aftermarket.
I also wouldn't send a prop to have the blades rebuilt unless I know that
the prop shop will check the hub also, and that they are capable of repairing
the hub if that needs to be done too. Some shops will rebuild the blades
and send it back with a spun hub. Good luck!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: OEM vs aftermarket

Hey Mick, if you want that 90 Merc to shine, get a ballistic.....which are sold here also.

Check my avatar....Ballistic 24P, 90 Merc, 17' bass boat.

Mark