TBX or rubber hub

erlindbl

Seaman
Joined
Jun 25, 2004
Messages
66
I am looking at getting a Viper propeller for my 150 E-tec. I was wondering what the difference between a TBX and a rubber hub is. Are there any reasons why I would want one over the other.

Thank you
 

erlindbl

Seaman
Joined
Jun 25, 2004
Messages
66
Re: TBX or rubber hub

Fyi, I got this off another site for anyone who would have a similar question


The BRP TBX propeller hub is a field replaceable item. There is a plastic insert which provides the couple (in lieu of the usual rubber coupling). The concept is similar to the popular Mercury FLO-TORQ series. There is a splined metal coupling to the propeller shaft; the plastic coupling lies between the propeller hub and this metal coupling; the torque is transmitted through the plastic coupling.

There have been some anecdotal reports that the TBX propeller hub was developed because the new E-TEC motors were so powerful that propellers with rubber hubs were being spun frequently, and a field-replacement type hub was deemed necessary.
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Hi, Jim answered your question well. If I had the choice I would run the TBX hub for the reasons he mentioned and the Viper with the pressed in hub will be quite old because for the last about 18 months the Vipers have been TBX.

I personally have not seen any TBX fail, but if they did you can just replace the hub and get going again, without having to rebush the prop.

No disadvantage with the TBX, just all advantages.

Cheers,

Huey.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: TBX or rubber hub

The replaceable hub systems came about not because of the power of the newer engines but rather the high exhaust temp that some can / do produce. It's not that they spin the old style pressed in hubs but they actually burn them. The old press in hubs were run on 300+ hp motors with no problem so logic tells us that they should certianly stand up to 150 or 200 hp.

Remember, the newer direct injected motors are under fedral mandates to meet changing emission standards. The engine companies have to balance the new emission standards and still make the power the public wants. It's not unusual for todays motors make more power than their old carb'd counterparts and get as much as 4 times the fuel economy on the same boat. These new standards can / do result in higher combustion temps and higher exhaust temps.

The other advantage for the prop manufacturer is that now they build one prop and it'll fit several motors. Less inventory on the shelf.

There's nothing wrong with the newer hub systems at all. Eventually someone will pick up on the fact that the newer systems don't "spin" completely and I'm sure they'll blame that on (potiential) lower unit / gear damage.
 
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