Grounding With Aluminum Prop

zyanni

Recruit
Joined
Jul 13, 2008
Messages
4
Just got Initiated to the Grounding Society of Chesapeake Bay! I have a Mercruiser 1995 4.3lx Alpha drive with 3 blade Alum Prop. Hit the mud at cruising speed. Got off easily by moving weight forward. No Apparent damage to the outdrive.Polished the outside tips of the blade and skeg. When I checked the prop it had a small nick on one blade and what looked like an old fracture at the very tip of the same blade about two inches long. I flattened the nick with a vise grip but am worried the small fracture will break off at speed. Can I run this prop till I get a replacement or repair? Can't see what the model of the stock prop is. Any suggestions on prop size and pitch? Will do mostly short cruising around the creeks and Bay so I am not concerned with speed. (Just economy) ... Engine serial #= OF594770, Drive Serial #= OF525556 Thanks for your help!
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Grounding With Aluminum Prop

Moving to prop forum
 

danfrompgh

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2007
Messages
76
Re: Grounding With Aluminum Prop

You could use it as is, but I would'nt. Did similiar damage last year and blade actually was bent slightly causing a vibration in the drive, never a good thing. If you are unsure of what you have try the marine store at this site,the prop wizard gets you in the ballpark. Al props are fairly cheap to replace.
 
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