Alpha one prop rotation?

[Fordiesel69]

I have a 1990 alpha one gen I on my bayliner. I need a new prop, what rotation is it? Standard or counter? Sorry for being dumb.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one prop rotation?

SIngle engine boats use standard rotation as OEM. On twin engine boats, they used a standard and a counter rotation drive.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Alpha one prop rotation?

Now I have a really dumb question, and you will laugh at this one. To extened the life of the lower unit, could I buy a standard rotation, and a counter rotation, and each year swap props so the lower unit gears can be used equally instead of 98% forward gear? It would mean putting the lever in reverse to go forward.

Not that I would ever do it, but just curious.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Alpha one prop rotation?

Bad idea.
The drive would quickly self destruct from being run in reverse.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one prop rotation?

The bearing setup in the lower unit, is completely different from the standard rotation and a reverse rotation drive. A standard rotation drive would not stand normal forward loads and RPM over extended periods of running. Designed more for short low load reverse loads for docking and anchoring.