Should I replace this prop

[utexasrick]

So I bought my boat with a cracked block, I'm pretty close to getting back on the lake but the current prop looks like so.
Should I replace it? The edges are bent in a few places, looks like its been hit a couple times.

If so I would like to get a prop which would get a decent wake. Future plans are to install a tower, dont really want the speed. What do yall recommend

boat is a sea ray 18' 10, 4.3 mercruiser I/O
alpha one gen II
190 HP

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Should I replace this prop

I am completely a newbie here so take my advice for what it's worth. The prop does look pretty beat up and in my opinion if you've done all the work you have you might as well throw a new prop on and call it done.

 

[fishndirk]

Re: Should I replace this prop

I would second that. Damage doesn't look too bad but that prop looks preaty coroded and my guess is it wouldn't last too long anyway/be a lot weaker because of it. As far as boat wake, selecting the right prop for your motor really has nothing to do with your wake besides it iether does or doesn't run your boat on plane well. The size and shape of a boats wake has to do with the size and shape of its hull, how much it weighs, and how fast its moving. Most boats put out their largest wake at a speed where they are above an idle but not on plane yet. As soon as the boat gets on plane the size of the wake goes way dwn but this is much more efficient to run this way as you are not pushing the water out of the way so much as you are skimming on top of it

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Should I replace this prop

It's ugly but I've certainly seen far worse (in use) damage wise. It would make a fine spare.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Should I replace this prop

I would file the rough edges smooth, and try it out. Record you WOT RPM, and get a GPS speed, once you have the motor in and running good. After we have the info, you may need a differant pitch. I wouldnt buy a new one until you have info, it may not be the right one to start with. As long as it doesnt vibrate bad, I would use it as a test prop first, after that, it would be a good spare.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Should I replace this prop

Seconded clean it up and get us the info in "read this first" at the top of the main prop page.

 

[utexasrick]

Re: Should I replace this prop

Ok so I will clean up the prop and use it until I finish with the break in period for the engine, just wanted to make sure it was good to use. Then I can get a new one once I can get the info