90 HP 4-stroke EFI prop spins rough

[fish-eye2020]

In the continuing saga of resurrecting a sweet boat (2014 Pro Guide 175 Combo w/ 90 HP Mercury 4 Stroke EFI) that just fell outta love by the previous owner, I have another concern. The prop spins very roughly when in neutral and power is off. It does spin, but there’s a rough friction between it spinning. What might this be indicative of? I’m just really leery of firing this motor up for the first time under my ownership without doing all the safeguards against further pricier damage. Thanks in advance for your comments!

 

[Faztbullet]

Remove prop and retest. If it frees up check prop shaft for warpage or incorrect/missing prop washer.