Prop fell off??

[Virgilcane]

I have an 83 bass tracker with a 50go mercury. After fishing this evening, I headed to the dock and slowed down. I tied up, got the trailer in the water and then was trying to load the boat but it wouldn't go in gear...I thought. Then some lady on the bank said "Your propeller is gone!" so, now I need a new one. I didn't put that one there as I've only had the boat a few months. But there is no plate to be found do the prop info I need on the foot. I've looked everywhere. So I what pitch, prop, etc... Do i need? Serial is 6308606. Any help?

 

[jimmbo]

Hmm, how in the world would a lady on the bank know your propeller was gone? The proper prop takes a bit of effort to find? You have no idea as to what it was? Does your boat have a tachometer and a speedometer? If so what RPM were you getting at WOT(wide open throttle)? And what was your top speed? That info can help establish a rough guess as to what you need

 

[82rude]

She obviously saw it swimming away.jimmbo! Ive had 2 swim away on me personally ,its rather embarrassing.First and most common reason is no cotter pin or locking tabs not bent second is most unusual and that's a failure of a mcguard locking nut.I actually had that ss prop retrieved when the water in the resiviour went down 45 feet.

 

[jimmbo]

Mcguard locking nut? You mean a nylon insert lock nut? I would barely trust a sliver of nylon to stay secure only for the first time it is tightened

 

[82rude]

No theres an actual system to lock a theft proof nut .Wrong spelling, Mcgard.http://shop.mcgard.com/products/marine/propeller-locks

 

[Virgilcane]

No it has no tach or speedometer.

 

[jimmbo]

No it has no tach or speedometer.

I suggest you install them. Without them, choosing a prop is, at best pure luck, or more likely, poor performance and/or blown engine

 

[jimmbo]

No theres an actual system to lock a theft proof nut .Wrong spelling, Mcgard.http://shop.mcgard.com/products/marine/propeller-locks

The only thing keeping the prop nut from vibrating/torqueing loose is a little nylon washer. When new it will grip, after removal and replacement a couple of times it doesn't offer much resistance. A castle washer/castled nut with cotter pin or mercury's lock tabs are better ways to ensure the prop doesn't fall off

I know you were referring to an Anti-theft nut, but while they reduce theft of the prop they really aren't the most secure way of attaching the prop. I guess one can always check too see if it had loosened every few hours

 

[Scott Danforth]

The McGard nuts are great until you loose the key. 4 hours with a die grinder and chisel to get the prop off after loosing the key.... Priceless