? about props!!

[86strados169v]

I have a 86'strados 169v bass boat with a 150hp merc that has a 24p 4 blade prop. It runs around 53 mph @ 5800 rpm!! That's not WOT , I have more but I don't want to go over 5800! I hit a rock with the prop and bent the hell out of it and will have to replace it!
I really like a 4 blade
The prop selector I used said I needed a 25p!
Iboats has a Solas HR Titan SS 25p 4 blade for $280! Don't know anything about Solas!
The question is, what will a 4 blade 25 p do to my set up!
Help or hurt? Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: ? about props!!

You won't know til you try. Performance between brands varies a fair amount. Yours may be rebuildable. It's far less than a new prop. You can even have the pitch changed by an inch. But that price for a Solas is pretty inviting.

Now for the bad news. If your prop was badly damaged, it probably didn't stop there. The gears may have suffered damage. You might not know until you run it for a few minutes to a few hours. You should have the propshaft tested for straightness. If it's out of spec, get an estimate for new gears and shaft(s). Insurance should cover it. I've seen aluminum props with blades missing and the gearcase survived. I've also seen stainless props with minimal damage but the gears were trashed.

 

[86strados169v]

Re: ? about props!!

The shaft is bent a little. I haven't gotten the lower unit apart yet to inspect the gears but I didn't here any noise while runnig it today on muffs. After I took the lower unit off the motor the gears felt smooth when I turn the shaft by hand and there wasn't any metal or water in the gear lube!!
Can the shaft be straightened? Thanks