Prop reconditioning question.

[Lwarden]

I have 2 props off my 87 Mercruiser alpha 1 both aluminum stock props and both are bent one a little worse then the other. My question is how bad is too bad to be worth reconditioning??? Uploading pics as we speak! both are 14.5 x 17 or merc pn 48-78118-17

 

[Lwarden]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

 

[82rude]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

for a good prop guy those are easy to fix .big question is cost of recon vs new but normally recon is cheaper unless their really wrecked .my friend is really good at doing that so they look and preform like brand new.sure comes in handy ,im constantly trying to get him to adopt me so i can learn and take over the bussiness .

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

It would be interesting to know your present rpm and gps speed with the best prop.
Now is the time to improve your prop selection if it seems indicated.
You could get the best prop repaired and do some test runs. If the results indicate a prop change keep it for a spare or sell it and get a new prop. Looking at the age of those props it is very likely a new prop will be more sophisticated and perform better.

 

[Lwarden]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

steelespike, when I had it out last summer it seemed to run fine @ proper rpm @ WOT. The prop that isnt so bad had a slight vibration to it but all in all it seemd to work fine..I am thinking about a new prop, but probably the same pitch. Any suggestions? Im running a 5.7 ltr 260 hp in a 22.5 ft Seasprite 225 SSB. I use it for walleye and salmon fishing, mostly trolling.

It would be interesting to know your present rpm and gps speed with the best prop.
Now is the time to improve your prop selection if it seems indicated.
You could get the best prop repaired and do some test runs. If the results indicate a prop change keep it for a spare or sell it and get a new prop. Looking at the age of those props it is very likely a new prop will be more sophisticated and perform better.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

Not too sure it is cost-effective to recondition an aluminum prop. Need to check cost vs new. You can order real nice aluminum props online for about $100-$120

I would probably use some heat and a hammer and anvil to straighten the good prop a bit and then file it to smooth shape. Then buy a new aluminum (or Stainless) and save the existing prop for a spare.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

If it does well with the 17 replace with a 17 Solas Amita or Rubex.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

Could you elaborate on what "proper rpm" it was doing with the beater prop? Hammering and filing on either of those old props is not going to change the WOT rpm much.

+1 on the Solas prop. It will out perform a brand new Merc prop(aluminum).

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Prop reconditioning question.

I like the extra rake on the aluminum Hustler props by Turning Point. I ran a rapture prop on my mercruiser for years. I liked that prop, but the hurricane got her.....