Prop question

[maverick974]

I have an old Bayliner bass boat. I'm on the water several times a week and living in Mesa Arizona, I'm on the water most of the year.
The boat is a Bayliner Trophy with the original 1984 Force engine spinning a Michigan Wheel 13x19 aluminum prop. The flukes on my prop were never in the best of shape so I finally took the prop down to get it rebuilt. They had a rebuilt prop for a not much more than what it would cost to rebuild mine so I bought it so I could use my old prop as the spare.
I got home, installed the rebuilt prop and spun it by hand. I noticed that one of the blades is not even with the other two. It's not far off. Maybe 1/8 inch.
Should I take it back or is that within tolerances?
Does that affect perfomance? What about balance in vibrations?
I don't want to be too picky but if it isn't right, there isn't much sense into spending the money for the new prop.

What ya think????

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop question

If you noticed it wasn't right its sure not right.I'd take it back; they probably can fix it right.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Prop question

1/8 inch with todays technology (or even 1980s technology) is a lot. Either they did not set the blade correctly into the pitch block when repairing it or the rubber hub is in slightly crooked. In any case, as stated above return it and let them make it right.

Note that given damage found on props and specifically the old prop you were using, or if at some point you had bent it that much while running, or, if you had bought it as a used prop, it would probably work well and you would never notice a performance problem. BUT---you paid for a reconditioned prop which should be to manufacturers specs. I'm sure that if they are a reputable shop, they will make it right with no questions asked.

 

[maverick974]

Re: Prop question

Yes, it's a very reputable shop in Phoenix. I'm sure they would take care of it, I just didn't want to make a big deal out of nothing if it was nothing to worry about. I haven't even contacted them yet but I will first thing monday morning.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Prop question

The only other thing that comes to mind is: Before you go back, be certain that the prop shaft is not bent.

 

[maverick974]

Re: Prop question

I called them this morning and they said that it was pretty normal for the props to do that. A slight amount anyway. They said that the hup might be in slightly crooked and by the time you are out to the end of the blades, the difference is accentuated.
They told me to run it on the lake and if I feel there are excessive vibrations or other problems, give them a call and they would look into it.
Does that sound right????

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Prop question

Well, Most people probably would not have noticed it--but you and I are different! LOL Mr. Monk is my mentor. The prop shop really does not want to do extra work and I can't blame them but a reconditioned prop should be equal to a factory prop.

Anyway, as I said before, you probably would not notice a performance problem so it would come down to aesthetics.

Hubs can be inserted crooked. I bought a new ballistic stainless prop and it had run-out when installed on the prop shaft. Like your prop it was about 1/8 inch. In my case, because of the tight clearances between the blade tips and the exhaust snout, it hit the snout. I took several photos showing the crooked hub and sent them to Michigan prop. They sent me a new hub. Now, the run-out is only about 1/32 inch

I would set the prop on a known flat surface and measure the rise of all three tips. If the hub is good, your prop shaft is straight, and one blade is different, then that blade is not correct.

Basically, it comes down to whether or not you want to take the time to return it to the shop and if you have the time to run it on the boat within a reasonable time frame. Over here, it is past the season and testing a prop--at least for me would entail effort.

 

[maverick974]

Re: Prop question

Well, Most people probably would not have noticed it--but you and I are different! LOL Mr. Monk is my mentor. The prop shop really does not want to do extra work and I can't blame them but a reconditioned prop should be equal to a factory prop.

Anyway, as I said before, you probably would not notice a performance problem so it would come down to aesthetics.

Hubs can be inserted crooked. I bought a new ballistic stainless prop and it had run-out when installed on the prop shaft. Like your prop it was about 1/8 inch. In my case, because of the tight clearances between the blade tips and the exhaust snout, it hit the snout. I took several photos showing the crooked hub and sent them to Michigan prop. They sent me a new hub. Now, the run-out is only about 1/32 inch

I would set the prop on a known flat surface and measure the rise of all three tips. If the hub is good, your prop shaft is straight, and one blade is different, then that blade is not correct.

Basically, it comes down to whether or not you want to take the time to return it to the shop and if you have the time to run it on the boat within a reasonable time frame. Over here, it is past the season and testing a prop--at least for me would entail effort.

Well, in certain cases I am a pefectonist and this probably is one of those cases although if it's within tolerances and it doesn't affect performance, then I'm good with that but if it should be better, then I'd like it right.
I'm going to the lake for some well deserved fishing on Wed. I'll know more then.