Force Engine Question

[astead300]

I just purchased a boat and tried to take it out on the water and when we got it out the propeller wouldn't move the boat in the water. It spins when the engine is running on land with earmuffs through a garden hose but it just seems like it doesn't engage. Any recommendations as to what might be the problem? Thanks!

 

[pnwboat]

Need a little bit more information. What year and horsepower is your Force motor. What brand/model is your boat and what's it's length. Is it aluminum or fiberglass?

 

[Frank Acampora]

You may have what is known as a "spun" propeller. The rubber hub inside the prop wears with age and no longer will actually spin the prop. Two tests: 1. If the prop is spun so badly that the boat will not move at all, put the engine in gear on the trailer with the engine off. Try grabbing the prop and trying to spin it. If it spins freely then the prop is spun and neither needs to be re-hubbed or replaced. 2. If the prop moves the boat slowly but not in relation to engine speed then remove the prop. Mark the back of the prop and the hub with a single line, with a magic marker. Install the prop and run the engine in the water. Remove the prop again. if the marks have moved then the prop is spun.

Also, when you remove the prop nut and washer if the front of the prop is scuffed up showing spin marks, that is a good indication that it is spun.

 

[roscoe]

Really need to know what motor, hp and year.


Could be a bad prop, wrong prop, wrong or missing hardware, bad lower unit.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Spun hub.Take it to a boat place and ask if they send them out for repair.
Then while your there get a new one.
Any Mercury dealer should have them in stock.
They sell them here too.
That way you'll have a good prop always.