Prop lock or what??

[Eric.G]

Hello All,

Just repowered a 21 ft stingray with alpha that I purchased knowing it had a cracked block. Went from a 215 HP 350 to a 330 HP 350 Merc Crate so I thought I would try a prop from my bass boat (merc 15 spl). Went to take off the prop on the stingray and there appears to be what I'll discribe as a socket shaped thing where the nut should be?. It spins freely. Is it some kind of prop lock and if so, how does it work?

Thanks in advanced
Eric

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Prop lock or what??

If it's what I think it is, it is a stamped SS "hootus" with a hex in it (where the nut fits) and 6 square prongs/tabs around the perimeter which are your locking tangs/tabs.

On the rear of the prop (for Mercs) are slots for these tangs. If you are removing the prop, bend the tangs up so that they are out of the groves in the prop and remove your prop nut and this locking device together.

Installation is the reverse but during installation, you need to keep the lock lined up with the slots in the nut so that the nut can go all the way down to the prop hub...takes 2 hands. Then torque nut to 55 ft lbs or whatever (55 on my engine) and as you are putting the last whoopie on the nut, continue turning until 3 of the tabs line up with 3 slots in the prop hub. Then with a hammer and screw driver, tap them down into the slots.

That's it.

Mark

 

[Eric.G]

Re: Prop lock or what??

So your saying that there is a socket that fits BETWEEN the chrome sleeve and the prop shaft?
Any idea on what vendor made this setup to inquire about said socket?

Thanks!
Eric

 

[250Gimp]

Re: Prop lock or what??

It may be a prop lock, similar to a wheel nut lock for car rims. If it is you will need a "key" for it.
Can you go back to the previous owner?

Good luck!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Prop lock or what??

Like this McGuard?

http://www.iboats.com/McGard-Prop-Locks/dm/*******.074654188--**********.277821013--view_id.685870

If so, the key may be universal and available. If you don't want to go the key route most tire stores are schooled as to getting these off (and it will be ruined, so get yourself the OEM nut).

Happy boating!

 

[Eric.G]

Re: Prop lock or what??

250 - Its the original prop. The previous owner only had the boat for less than a year and managed to let the block freeze. I doubt he got the lock when he bought it and probably didnt know about the lock either. So im willing to call it lesson learned for not picking up on it when inspecting the boat.

Rocky R - That look just like it! Thanks man. So you think they're all the same pattern? Mine has 3 pairs of divits (SP ?) evenly spaced.
I'll try calling them

As a last resort I could probably get the nut to turn with a couple wacks of a cold chisel, but what would cut through the SS sleeve?

Thanks again to all

Eric

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Prop lock or what??

250 - Its the original prop. The previous owner only had the boat for less than a year and managed to let the block freeze. I doubt he got the lock when he bought it and probably didnt know about the lock either. So im willing to call it lesson learned for not picking up on it when inspecting the boat.

Rocky R - That look just like it! Thanks man. So you think they're all the same pattern? Mine has 3 pairs of divits (SP ?) evenly spaced.
I'll try calling them

As a last resort I could probably get the nut to turn with a couple wacks of a cold chisel, but what would cut through the SS sleeve?

Thanks again to all

Eric

My guess is that so few of these are out there, that McGard didn't go crazy with varying keyways. Your suggestion to call them is a good next step.

Keep in mind that once you start hammering away with a cold chisel, the right key may not work if that fails. As for cutting through the stainless collar, that will be quite a chore...and will probably cost you more in blades than having a tire store remove it.

If this were mine, I would have it removed and deep-sixed. Prop theft is not a popular hobby, and if you ever needed to change the prop on the water you would be calling for a tow with this in your way.

Happy boating!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Prop lock or what??

P.S. Look in ALL of the boat crannies...I'll bet that the key is there somewhere!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Prop lock or what??

Like this McGuard?

http://www.iboats.com/McGard-Prop-Locks/dm/*******.074654188--**********.277821013--view_id.685870

If so, the key may be universal and available. If you don't want to go the key route most tire stores are schooled as to getting these off (and it will be ruined, so get yourself the OEM nut).

Happy boating!

This is not what I was talking about so deal me out. My reference was to an OEM piece of SS that keeps the nut from accidentally backing off, not a theft deterrent mechanism.

Sorry

 

[250Gimp]

Re: Prop lock or what??

P.S. Look in ALL of the boat crannies...I'll bet that the key is there somewhere!

Rocky has a good point here!

If the dealer put it on the key should be somewhere in the boat. Maybe even fell under the engine if you can get in to look!

Good LUck

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Prop lock or what??

Rocky has a good point here!

If the dealer put it on the key should be somewhere in the boat. Maybe even fell under the engine if you can get in to look!

Good LUck

What made me think of looking around was when I remembered trying to help a young lady change her flat tire, and she had aftermarket rims with McGard locks. I asked her for the 'key' and she went through every nick and cranny with no luck (I was outside the car positioning the jack). She was totally discouraged, and I asked if she minded me looking.

First place I opened was the glove box, and the 'key' was staring right at me! "Oh, that's what you need? I have always wondered what that was, and it doesn't look like any key that I have ever seen!"

She was, of course, right...we old farts know that the adapter socket isn't a real key, but that is what we call it. If the OP comes back here he might want to revisit the McGard link above and get a mental picture of what he is looking for.

Happy boating!

 

[Eric.G]

Re: Prop lock or what??

250 - Thanks for the pointer but I did repower so I had clear view of the bilge. Cleaned it up real good... nothing there.
But you did make me think to look up in the bow where there is a lot of wasted space. Nothing

Been around cars for 30 years or so. Used wheel locks before. Just never considered the concept of a prop lock. I thought it was something maybe specific to Stingray. Cant imagine having to deal with that in an emergancy under water. Once I get it off... Im tossing it.

To follow up, I did call McGard. Their answer for cases like this (I imagin Im not the first) is to take a good pic of the end of the nut so the 'lock' is clearly visable and email it to them. They will match up the right key and send it to you. I dont know what the cost is as of yet.
I sent the pic off yesterday but have not heard back yet.

Before calling I did go to a couple of West Marine stores, but the two around here only had one set each and it wasnt the right pattern. My hope was that if they had 10 or so to pick through that I'd find the right one and get this thing off before the weekend and see what the new motor can really do with an aggressive prop. I have to keep talking myself out of taking an air chisle to it...

 

[250Gimp]

Re: Prop lock or what??

Good luck Eric!

Hopefully they get back to you quickly!

Cheers