prop trueness critical?

[sjksjk]

I have a 18' Smokercraft w/ 140 hp Mariner(79), just bought a new prop 13 1/4" x 17 deg. to replace a 13" x 19 deg. I was told this would make my boat run better at higher elev. I run anywhere from sea level to 6000 ft. I put the new prop on and checked the run-out, did not use a dial indicator but noticed that one of the three blades is approx. 1/8" to 3/16" shorter than the others. I know it is not a bent shaft, as I rotated the prop 180 on the splines and the problem followed the blade. My other prop blades were a lot closer in size/trueness. My question is: Is this a problem, or should I just run it and see if it has any abnormal vibration? Or should I take it back and get another? Thanks for the advice in advance. Stu.

 

[DJ]

Re: prop trueness critical?

sjk,<br /><br />I would return it.

 

[rhett]

Re: prop trueness critical?

if the prop is out of balance and you run it it will shake the engine right off the boat. RETURN IT!!!

 

[evin300]

Re: prop trueness critical?

I would buy a new stainless, then run it, and finally, get it tuned by a professional. Stock props are usually pretty sloppy.<br /><br />No, this isnt about racing type performance. Its about putting your horsepower to the water correctly.<br /><br />Okay, so its 350.00 for a prop, 200.00 to get it right, big deal, the tightwads dont know what thier missin! Just my .02

 

[sjksjk]

Re: prop trueness critical?

Thanks for the input, I will return it. If I ever get everything fixed on my boat and it is running good I don't know what I am going to do with myself.