new boat owner prop questions

[strokeoluck]

We just purchased a 2005 Bayliner 185 runabout. We are first-time boat owners and plan on using it for general inland lake fun w/our two young kids. While at the MN boat show today I talked with some "prop folks" and have a couple questions for the forum:

1) A lady from pirahana.com was telling me about the benefits of this "plastic" (?; composite?) prop that has pieces that just "pop out". I guess the idea is that if your prop gets dinged up, you just smack the broken/chipped plastic "fin" (?) out, and pop a new one in; for a $20 instant repair instead of a $100 prop repair. What are your thoughts on such props? Are they durable/reliable? Are they easy to repair on your own?

2) If we just plan on gently cruising around some inland lakes, pulling the kids on a tube or maybe skis, and just a tad bit of fishing now and then - do I need to worry about the "pitch" of the prop? Or should I just stick w/the standard pitch recommended by the boat manufacturer? There is a brand new prop on the boat (4.3L Merc by the way) - I have no clue what the pitch is. And the seller gave me the original prop as well - that's a little dinged up.

Thanks guys!

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

IMO those composite props are good for emergency use only. I would never consider running one all the time. As far as the other prop(s) we neen to know your RPMs at WOT.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

Go to the top of the forum and read the sticky titled "READ THIS FIRST". And just so you know, there is no such thing as a "standard prop". What comes on the boat when you buy it new may not be the correct prop for the intended use of the boat. And yes, the proper prop is important no matter how the boat is used.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

We just purchased a 2005 Bayliner 185 runabout. We are first-time boat owners and plan on using it for general inland lake fun w/our two young kids. While at the MN boat show today I talked with some "prop folks" and have a couple questions for the forum:

1) A lady from pirahana.com was telling me about the benefits of this "plastic" (?; composite?) prop that has pieces that just "pop out". I guess the idea is that if your prop gets dinged up, you just smack the broken/chipped plastic "fin" (?) out, and pop a new one in; for a $20 instant repair instead of a $100 prop repair. What are your thoughts on such props? Are they durable/reliable? Are they easy to repair on your own?

2) If we just plan on gently cruising around some inland lakes, pulling the kids on a tube or maybe skis, and just a tad bit of fishing now and then - do I need to worry about the "pitch" of the prop? Or should I just stick w/the standard pitch recommended by the boat manufacturer? There is a brand new prop on the boat (4.3L Merc by the way) - I have no clue what the pitch is. And the seller gave me the original prop as well - that's a little dinged up.

Thanks guys!

You probably have everything that you need already...a good main prop, and a useable 'spare' to carry onboard. Just get yourself a floating prop nut wrench, a spare prop nut (along with tab washer, etc.)...just in case you need to use the spare.

You can drive yourself crazy...once you get yourself into the nether world of 'what prop is best for me?' If your current prop allows you to reach your printed max RPM...you are there.

If it ain't broke...don't fix it!

P.S. Do stay away from the composite props...you can hit something with an aluminum, or stainless steel, prop...and usually drive away. Ain't going to happen with a plastic prop!

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

You probably have everything that you need already...a good main prop, and a useable 'spare' to carry onboard. Just get yourself a floating prop nut wrench, a spare prop nut (along with tab washer, etc.)...just in case you need to use the spare.

You can drive yourself crazy...once you get yourself into the nether world of 'what prop is best for me?' If your current prop allows you to reach your printed max RPM...you are there.

If it ain't broke...don't fix it!

Cool, thanks Rocky.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

And a prop follow-up question for the group. Let's say I want to buy a replacement prop or two - as spares. Where do I go to find the cheapest aluminum prop that matches the two current props I have? Is this something I can do online? Is there some sort of model # or other unique info on the prop that would help me in ordering another one?

By the way, I did read the "read this first" post at the start of the thread. But I'm afraid I don't know the answer to a few of those questions - such as rpm at WOT. Heck, I don't even have the owner's manual. I did print one off the Bayliner website, but I'm not sure it's the right one yet.

Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

Have you looked at the prop selection here on iboats?

http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/

 

[mthieme]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

For a 'spare' prop, new wouldn't be my first choice.
You might try any marinas or boat repair shops that might be in the area for a less expensive used prop. There's always a famous auction site too.

 

[steelespike]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

If you look on the barrel of the prop or under the prop nut there should be a number _ _ X _ _ Diameter X pitch.May only be a part number.There may be
a label on the motor indicating the max rpm. The best way to evaluate your setup is to give us the prop numbers,the max rpm and test it and give us the
present max rpm and speed.(gps speed is best)You allready have a spare prop your dinged up prop can be repaired as a spare.If it isn't dinged up too badly you could use as is just use it as little as possible.More than likely your new prop will serve well for the casual type use you describe. Get us the prop numbers and if it is aluminum or stainless(aluminum will be painted) we can give you an idea what
its performance will be like.But we'll still need the test numbers to be sure it allows the motor to operate within its rpm range.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

If you have the Mercruiser 3.0L (in line 4 cylinders)...your max RPM's will be 4800.

'Dinged' props can be fine, as spares. Next time you are at the launch ramp, take a look at what other boaters are running, as their main prop. You will be surprised how much damage a prop can have...and still be a good, functioning, prop! Post a picture...and we can give you our opinion!

One spare prop is all that 99% of boaters will ever need to carry (use that extra prop money, to buy something really cool...like a depth finder). Where they usually fall 'short', is forgetting to have a short piece of a 2x4...to make the prop change even possible. My piece of wood has a bungee cord, that holds it in place...freeing up both hands, to make the change.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

If you have the Mercruiser 3.0L (in line 4 cylinders)...your max RPM's will be 4800.

I have the 4.3L Merc.

One spare prop is all that 99% of boaters will ever need to carry (use that extra prop money, to buy something really cool...like a depth finder). Where they usually fall 'short', is forgetting to have a short piece of a 2x4...to make the prop change even possible. My piece of wood has a bungee cord, that holds it in place...freeing up both hands, to make the change.

We have a Lowrance depth/fish finder and GPS unit - although of course I don't know how to use it yet. I printed out the manual. It's huge, and I have yet to start reading it. I'm not incredibly mechanically-inclined, so where would I go to learn how to change a prop? I tried looking on YouTube but couldn't find anything. We're taking a power squadron course in mid-March, perhaps they'll cover it there?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: new boat owner prop questions

I have the 4.3L Merc.



We have a Lowrance depth/fish finder and GPS unit - although of course I don't know how to use it yet. I printed out the manual. It's huge, and I have yet to start reading it. I'm not incredibly mechanically-inclined, so where would I go to learn how to change a prop? I tried looking on YouTube but couldn't find anything. We're taking a power squadron course in mid-March, perhaps they'll cover it there?

Your 4.3L is 4800 max RPM...here's a link:

http://www.perfprotech.com/store/articles/mercruiser-v6-engine-specifications.aspx

As for the prop change...it is pretty straight forward. Look at your prop, and you will see a locknut, with a tab washer (with bendable tabs) underneath. You bend the (usually 3) tabs away from the spline washer...and unscrew the nut. This is where you need to do this at home...BEFORE you head for the deep blue sea. Because the nut may be overtightened (and you will not get it loose, on the water)...and the prop shaft may need some grease (once again...you don't want to learn this floating behind your boat). Grease the shaft, and reinstall the nut to around 55 ft lb. Don't forget to bend 3 of the tabs back down. The block of wood keeps the prop from spinning, during all of this.

A floating prop wrench (usually yellow colored reinforced plastic) can be found at any marine store.