Re: propeller damage
If you notice a vibration or a reduction in performance it is time
that seems about right to me too.
here's my experience.
i got a used aluminum prop. pretty much pristine though. a couple of scuff marks in the paint was the only damage.
first year no issues.
2nd year no issues.
3rd year i started to get a short cavitation burn in one of the blades.
4th year i now have a short cavitation burn in all blades.
i believe this to be due to small dings on the outside edge of the blades. likely from hitting smaller pieces of wood that i'm not even aware i've hit.
like spdracr39 says, ya can file them out best ya can. but as ya can see, the cavitation burns on my prop are getting worse. still i don't think i'll do anything about it next year. maybe, but i doubt it.
i have no vibration or reduction in performance at this point.
the cavitation burn
the dings on the perimeter of the blades
close up of the burn....