Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

[smallie08]

I have a 1983 Harris Flote Boat 20' pontoon with a 1976 Mercury 402 mounted on it.

My daughter in law backed out from the slip and the prop flew off.:redface:

I have no idea what size or pitch the prop was now. Any ideas where I should start with this type of boat. There are so many new props listed for this motor, I'm lost.

What maximum RPM's should the 402 be run at?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I want to thank everyone at iboats and their clients for the advice I read on this site for the 402 motor that was not running when I purchased the boat. The forum helped me figure out the problem, I ordered the parts from iboats and have a running 402. (no prop)

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

Find a prop shop that will work with you and get a loaner. They will head you in the right direction and sell you a new one when you have figured the size you need. You must have a tach and know what RPM is recommended.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

I have a 1983 Harris Flote Boat 20' pontoon with a 1976 Mercury 402 mounted on it.

My daughter in law backed out from the slip and the prop flew off.:redface:

I have no idea what size or pitch the prop was now. Any ideas where I should start with this type of boat. There are so many new props listed for this motor, I'm lost.

What maximum RPM's should the 402 be run at?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I want to thank everyone at iboats and their clients for the advice I read on this site for the 402 motor that was not running when I purchased the boat. The forum helped me figure out the problem, I ordered the parts from iboats and have a running 402. (no prop)

No chance you can go snorkeling for your original prop is there?

 

[mancho]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

Thats what id be doing...its not fishfood

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

I believe the ratio ois 2:1
Educated guess a 9" pitch 4 blade if possible.

 

[Fed]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

Do you still have a prop shaft?

 

[smallie08]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

Thanks for the help.

Yes I can go snorkling, that is my plan for Sunday.
My son lives on the lake and I haven't been there yet. He is working so much he doesn't get home til dark.
I do have a prop shaft and I certainly hope the prop does not end up fish food. lol

The local boat shop is estimating a 9 or 10 pitch prop for that type of boat (pontoon)

Thanks again, I will let you know how the snorkeling search goes on Sunday.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

I know this thread is a month old, but inquiring minds want to know...did smallie ever go snorkeling for his flying prop? Please indulge us!

 

[smallie08]

Re: Prop flew off, need some advice on prop size, please!

Yes silly, we snorkled and raked the weeds and searched high and low. I think a shark ate it. lol
A diver even looked and couldn't see anything through the weeds and stirred up water.

I purchased a 4 blade 9 pitch prop and the boat runs great, much better than the prop that was on there.

I don't think the prop could have gone far but the search is off at this time. My daughter in-law put the boat in reverse, it moved maybe a foot and the prop fell off. How far could it have gone? Of course, there is a drop off and thick weeds right where the boat was at the time. We raked the complete area with a 20' steal rake, nothing.

Thanks for everybodies help.

Another happy boater from iboats

smallie