Can I file my aluminum prop?

[scott8058]

I have a 23p prop I want to use on my boat but it runs like crap trying to plane. Once we get up it has a noticable amount more acceleration and top speed over the 21 but hard to get to that. The prop has a nick in it and some rough edges but I have had worse that run fine. I put it on my vice and filed the edges as smooth as I could. Won't be able to try it til next weekend but should that help or will it be worse? 20ft bayliner 5.7 mercruiser

 

[alldodge]

Your going down the wrong path, and may wind up down a rabbit hole, so to speak.

Can you file the prop, sure, and it can help but don't see it hurting if your just smoothing the edges.

23p prop I want to use on my boat but it runs like crap trying to plane

This is the problem, it planes like crap so that says there is to much pitch. You need a prop which you can reach optimum WOT

 

[scott8058]

I have had the prop for a long time. My tach stopped working this yr which I am working on fixing soon. But in seasons past I could turn this thing 5000 rpm and couldn't run wot. So I know the power is there I think it's just outta whack.

 

[alldodge]

In that case you answered your own question.

Get the prop tuned by a shop

 

[scott8058]

Well my question was if me filing it would help.

 

[alldodge]

Well my question was if me filing it would help.

Depends on what your definition of help is: A raged edge on a prop when smoothed out will help, how much depends on the pre-ragged edge. Filing a prop which has a vibration enough to feel driving, is not going to help reduce the vibration enough to notice