stolen prop

[foresteronw]

Well unfortunatly someone has decided to get parts from my boat. Yesterday I went out to my boat and noticed that my "Black" prop is now silver or bare metal. Upon further investigation I have realized that someone took the liberty to take my prop for use on there boat, why they installed their prop back on my boat i will never know. (why waist the time). The cotter pin that goes through it is also broken. It also looks like the person that used this prop that is on my boat drove with this prop down a highway, it is pretty chewed up. I am trying to figure out now if i can get this prop fixed or keep it for a spare. I am limited to boat expieriance and don't know were to start. There are some numbers on the prop I will post in about ten minutes. The engine is a 1989 OMC 5.7L (King Cobra) and a Cobra outdrive. If anyone can help me with this or steer me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: stolen prop

Talk to your local boating store, most props in not too damaged can be re-conditioned and balanced, depending on size for under $80.00.<br />I had a 17" alum done for $40.

 

[Cobotr]

Re: stolen prop

Another thing to consider is whether the (new) prop is of the same pitch as the one you lost. If you don't have a spare and this (new) prop is not the proper pitch, use this one as a spare, and buy a properly pitched prop as your primary.

 

[JB]

Re: stolen prop

Start by asking your insurance agent what to do.<br /><br />If you don't have insurance, maybe now you will get it.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[C17LoadSmasher]

Re: stolen prop

A preventative idea in order to defend against prop theives: I bought one of those special prop nuts that you have to have the 'key' in order to take it off. Works well. I also have the same device for the outdrive itself. I figure 50 bucks was well worth keeping the $2500 outdrive and $200 prop safe. I've also seen those prop-shield things that cover the prop completely, for protection from road debris, etc. I believe those lock as well.

 

[bernieb]

Re: stolen prop

On the expensive stainless steel props you may want to spray them black......thieves work fast you know.

 

[foresteronw]

Re: stolen prop

how would i find out what my boat requires. the numbers on the new one are (14 1/2 21+) I am assuming that this means 14.5" and 21 for pitch. I just don't know if this is ok or not. Thanks for the help.

 

[wildman]

Re: stolen prop

Have you tried calling the boat maker??

 

[foresteronw]

Re: stolen prop

I have insurance on the boat but I have a $500.00 deductable and that is more than a prop. The boat is a Sunbird and they are not in buisness anymore.

 

[wildman]

Re: stolen prop

Maybe if you tried posting the make and model etc another member may have the same boat and could help you....<br /><br />Try calling a prop shop, they may know as well..

 

[GregCC167Concept]

Re: stolen prop

Guess I better go out at first light and write down my prop specs. <br /><br />Just a thought, if your thief didn't want the old prop - why in the world would you?<br /><br />Find you a knowledgeable person at a shop, show him or tell him what you have and they can probably get you pretty close to what you need in a new prop. If you are lucky, they may even agree to let you try it and bring it back to trade it if still like new. I had a guy at Overton's here in NC offer to do that for me when I was trying a new pitch.

 

[karayj]

Re: stolen prop

I went on ebay and bought some props they cost from 20.00 60.00 beats paying 200.00 and most are new to used twice or three times

 

[Cobotr]

Re: stolen prop

He may even be able to buy his old one back

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: stolen prop

You prop is the final place where power is transferred to the water. Put the complimentary prop left by the thief under your seat as a spare and go get something matched to the specs of your boat. You pay for stainless steel up front, but if you take care of it (and remove it from the boat when in your driveway), you will get lots of years of care-free, predictable performance.<br /><br />I quit having aluminum props rebuilt (at $70 a pop) and invested in stainless about 6 years ago.<br />I've saved $420 by not having to rebuild each year---that will get you a very good performance prop!