From front to back my prop is too long.

88capri

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2013
Messages
16
Another newbie here guys, with a BAYLINER LOL! Recently I bought a used boat (88 Bayliner Capri) the skeg and the prop were in VERY sorry shape. With the some research I found that for my boat, and activities planned for on the boat, a 13 diameter prop with a 17 pitch would be ideal. I started shopping and found a decent deal on EBAY, $69 shipping included. It came and I put it on as soon as I could. Putting it on I noticed that the "cuff" doesn't slide inside of lower unit like the other prop did and the nut doesn't thread all the way down (maybe 1/2 way). Here is the numbering from the prop "131/4r17mwc". My question is, other than the pitch, diameter and spline count, what else should I be looking for when shopping for a prop!?! Shopping for a prop has completely dumbfounded me, PLEASE HELP!
 

jestor68

Commander
Joined
Jun 12, 2012
Messages
2,308
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

What kind of stern drive/outboard motor are you talking about?

When you buy a prop off E-Bay, it's a fair bet that it won't be the right one.
 

88capri

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2013
Messages
16
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

What kind of stern drive/outboard motor are you talking about?

When you buy a prop off E-Bay, it's a fair bet that it won't be the right one.

It's a stern drive, Force 85. Seems I'm learning the hard way, which is fine as long as I LEARN something, LOL!
 

jestor68

Commander
Joined
Jun 12, 2012
Messages
2,308
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

What you mean is that it is a 1988 Force 85 hp outboard motor on what appears to be a Bayliner Capri.

The prop section here lists three(Michigan) props available for that motor in 15,17, and 19 pitches.

The 13.25 X 17 pitch is listed as # 672107.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,285
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

It's a stern drive, Force 85. Seems I'm learning the hard way, which is fine as long as I LEARN something, LOL!

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... Sounds like the Infamous L-drive,... Good luck findin' Any parts for it,....
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

Force engines, including the "L" drive, have a smaller diameter gearcase than mercury or OMC. This means that for many props, even though the spline count, diameter, and pitch is correct, the prop will not fit. This is why the prop nut will not run all the way down too.

If it were an older prop I would say simply cut off the rear flange. However, it is a new prop. FIRST: look to see if there is a plastic collar at the rear of the prop. If there is one, remove it and the prop will fit correctly. If there is no plastic collar, return the prop and buy one to fit the smaller 4 inch diameter Force gearcase.
 

Starcraft5834

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 2, 2013
Messages
1,677
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

88 Capri,,, avoid Ebay......when you have had your fun with the Force engine and perhaps get another boat.. if you want a sterndrive, it would be in your best interest to look for a Mercruiser Engine with Alpha outdrive...... age is of little concern, they are still made today.. parts are readily available and reasonable, if outboard engine,, Mercury, Evinrude/Johnson/Yamaha/Honda.. thats about all I'd buy,,, good luck
 

88capri

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2013
Messages
16
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

88 Capri,,, avoid Ebay......when you have had your fun with the Force engine and perhaps get another boat.. if you want a sterndrive, it would be in your best interest to look for a Mercruiser Engine with Alpha outdrive...... age is of little concern, they are still made today.. parts are readily available and reasonable, if outboard engine,, Mercury, Evinrude/Johnson/Yamaha/Honda.. thats about all I'd buy,,, good luck

I will heed your advice, THANKS!
 

88capri

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2013
Messages
16
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

Force engines, including the "L" drive, have a smaller diameter gearcase than mercury or OMC. This means that for many props, even though the spline count, diameter, and pitch is correct, the prop will not fit. This is why the prop nut will not run all the way down too.

If it were an older prop I would say simply cut off the rear flange. However, it is a new prop. FIRST: look to see if there is a plastic collar at the rear of the prop. If there is one, remove it and the prop will fit correctly. If there is no plastic collar, return the prop and buy one to fit the smaller 4 inch diameter Force gearcase.

No plastic collar, but I really appreciate your advice and passing the knowledge along. Great help!
 

88capri

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2013
Messages
16
Re: From front to back my prop is too long.

What you mean is that it is a 1988 Force 85 hp outboard motor on what appears to be a Bayliner Capri.

The prop section here lists three(Michigan) props available for that motor in 15,17, and 19 pitches.

The 13.25 X 17 pitch is listed as # 672107.

Thank you for the correction. It is a 1988 Force 85 hp outboard motor, on what is a 1988 Bayliner Capri. Also thanks for heading me in the right direction.
 
Top