Need a new prop because I'm an idiot

[fiddelm3742]

Well, I recently got my first real boat. Coming from a plastic jon where i would just take the OB off when i wasn't using it to a 89 Tracker TX-17 w/a Johnson(tracker) 50HP outboard.
Ok, so As mentioned I am an idiot. Got the chance to take my boat out yesterday and be being the dolt that I am didn't remove the transom saver when i put the boat in the water. Started it all up and took off. After being out for a bit and testing things out I docked and realized i no longer had the transom saver (imagine that) Well I checked and my prop has some pretty darn big pieces missing so I'm guessing I'll be needing a new new prop (and transom saver)
Currently the prop is a 11 1/2 x 19. After reading some of the other threads on here I'll probably stick with the same size prop (not sure on alum vs Steel yet) But i was wondering if I buy a new prop am I going to be able to just take the old one off and throw the new one on? Are they universal or is it specific for each outboard? Also, I do enjoy scouring the net for deals, but what are some good places to start? I've never shopped for anything like this before and have little knowledge in this area (as shown by my original mistake of not remembering to take off the transom saver)
I was thinking of something along the lines of
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...1_37921_200002006_200000000_200002000_200-2-6
item: 38-524-300-40
It's for Johnson motors, so would i need an adapter of some sort, or just take the pin out of the old one and slap the new one on?
Thanks
Matt

 

[rndn]

Re: Need a new prop because I'm an idiot

Props are made for each engine manufacturer and size. They are easy to remove and put a new one on, just make sure you install everything in the same order as you remove them. iboats.com has quite a nice prop selection and if you're looking at used try ebay or craigslist. These type of mistakes happen to more people than some are willing to admit. The most important thing is to learn from your mistakes so you don't repeat. Give yourself a routine so you remember to do things like install the plug, unplug the trailer lights, all safety gear onboard, etc. Some people attach the plug to the key chain or make sure the plug is in when you remove the trailer tie downs.

 

[fiddelm3742]

Re: Need a new prop because I'm an idiot

Funny thing, the plug wasn't in either I didn't see it sitting in the boat so I assumed it was in. My mistake! But an excellent test to verify that the bilge pump was working
Next time things will definitely go smoother. As I have learned most of the things not to do.
As far as props go. I'd be most comfortable replacing the prop with one of the same size as I dont quite have a grasp on pitch/cupping, etc. I didn't see any 11 1/2 x 19 props in the iboats shop made for 50HP johnson motors Only 11 3/4 w/ the 19 pitch.

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: Need a new prop because I'm an idiot

Don't worry about the 11 3/4 size. That is just the diameter of the prop. This size will usually vary between manufacturers and also with pitch change. Usually the lower the pitch the larger the diameter. For example my Johnson 50 came with a 11 3/4x17. I wanted a smaller pitch so I got a 15 pitch and the diameter was 12 1/4. It fit fine. I found the larger diameter to help more than anything.

If you were happy with the performance of your 11 1/2 X 19, the 11 3/4 X 19 should be close to the same.

 

[fiddelm3742]

Re: Need a new prop because I'm an idiot

Good to hear. I didn't want to get something incompatible, or something that would put to much stress on my motor, but apparently it's not quite as big of a deal as I made it out to be. I'll look around and see what I can come up w/ for similar props.
Thanks
Matt

 

[zkimball]

Re: Need a new prop because I'm an idiot

You might just want to run that banged up prop by the repair shop before you buy a new one. A good shop can fix a lot of horrible looking damage. Many new aluminum props aren't particularly expensive, but you can usually get one repaired for half what you would pay for a new one. Even if you do decide on a new one, it's a VERY good thing to have a spare when you hit something offshore...... so much easier than walking home! Z