Prop Damage

D

davidthomas.04

Cadet

Joined

Jun 6, 2007

Messages

7

• Jun 7, 2007

• #1

How much horsepower is lost when a prop becomes damaged? The prop on my 4.3 looks like it was attacked by a weedeater, with chips missing from each of the three blades and burrs sticking up everywhere. A new prop at the local boat shop runs $325. Is it worth it for mpg or hp sake? Or should I keep trucking on? Also does anyone know of any better outlets to get props and about how mcuh are they?

 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner

Joined

Jun 29, 2004

Messages

10,645

• Jun 7, 2007

• #2

Re: Prop Damage

You should probably post this in the prop forum.....
That said, you can experience significant reduction in performance from a damaged prop......​

 

BoatMyAssOff

Seaman Apprentice

Joined

Mar 11, 2007

Messages

43

• Jun 7, 2007

• #3

Re: Prop Damage

Just search on this site, I'm sure I've seen them cheaper......You also have to consider prob balance, and the wear on your motor.

 

L

Limited-Time

Vice Admiral

Joined

Mar 30, 2005

Messages

5,820

• Jun 7, 2007

• #4

Re: Prop Damage

Haut is spot on. Any damage to the prop will reduce overall performance and fuel efficiency. Is the prop SS or Alum? Rebuilding the prop a good route, and generally 1/3 the cost or new.

 

Windykid

Lieutenant Junior Grade

Joined

Apr 17, 2007

Messages

1,177

• Jun 7, 2007

• #5

Re: Prop Damage

Most marine repair shops carry rebuilt props at good prices.

 

D

davidthomas.04

Cadet

Joined

Jun 6, 2007

Messages

7

• Jun 7, 2007

• #6

Re: Prop Damage

thanks guys, i guess i will be looking for a new prop sooner rather than later. any suggestions? it's current prop is comparable with a black diamond aluminum 3 blade 19 pitch. i am wanting to get the most wake / pulling power from the 4.3LX, but i will be doing most of my riding in smaller rivers / lakes, thus i'm scared to get a stainless for fear of hitting a rock.

 

88wellcraft

Petty Officer 1st Class

Joined

May 9, 2007

Messages

208

• Jun 7, 2007

• #7

Re: Prop Damage

Usually aluminum props can be rebuilt for $100 or so.....

 

Z

zzzzz

Lieutenant Junior Grade

Joined

Jan 13, 2003

Messages

1,094

• Jun 7, 2007

• #8

Re: Prop Damage

don't be scared of a stainless prop...most new props are made with a rubber or plastic hub made to spin out on impact and prevent damage to your gearcase

 

D

davidthomas.04

Cadet

Joined

Jun 6, 2007

Messages

7

• Jun 7, 2007

• #9

Re: Prop Damage

what are the differences in aluminum and stainless props?! besides price of course

 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Joined

Aug 31, 2004

Messages

62,321

• Jun 7, 2007

• #10

Re: Prop Damage

davidthomas.04 said:

what are the differences in aluminum and stainless props?! besides price of course

Click to expand...

That is a very common question and answered often over in the Prop Questions and Topics forum.

 

J

jimhen

Seaman Apprentice

Joined

Jun 7, 2007

Messages

44

• Jun 7, 2007

• #11

Re: Prop Damage

I busted a lot of props getting familiar with a new lake. the rebuilt direction is good but you may also want to look at e-bay for a deal. I went to a composit prop ( not into racing , just pleasure ) it was cheaper, runs better than the aluminum ones did and has missed the rocks for 4 years....