Rebuild Hub or Replace Prop

doranj

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
13
Hello, I'm looking for advice from someone with knowledge of Michigan Wheel Rapture Props. I've been running a Rapture 13 1/4 x 17 on a 1995 Mercury 115 hp outboard since 1999, with complete satisfaction. I noticed recently, while slalom skiing, acceleration out of the hole, is noticeable slower than in the past. Given 17 years of use and my inspection of the hub and thrust washer, I've concluded that hub slippage under heavy load is occurring. So, my questions are as follows:

1. Can the Rapture Hub be rebuilt?

2. If yes, then would it be better to rebuild or replace?

3. If replace, since the Rapture is now obsolete, what should I replace it with.

The only reason acceleration matters to us, is skiing. I'm looking for the same acceleration performance I used to get from the Rapture. Top end is about 40 mph at 6000 rpm. Thank you for your consideration and replies :)

Doran
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
How did you determine the hub is slipping? A line drawn across the hub?
 

Swimforshore

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 9, 2016
Messages
42
I agree with GA need to draw a line in hub and prop to verify it is slipping. Any damage on prop? Minor damage can make a big difference in performance and the can be repaired cost effectively as opposed to replacing. That hub should be servicable
 

doranj

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
13
After reading the replies, I marked the prop and took it out for a test. I am unable to duplicate the conditions that existed while suspecting the problem was a slipping hub. Those conditions were 3 adults and a large cooler in the boat, plus me (180 lbs) on a 67 inch slalom ski. The conditions that existed a few minutes ago while testing after marking the prop were only me in the boat and no skier. Before testing, I put a mark on the propeller straight across from a mark on the hub. After simulating several dozen hole shots, the marks were no longer straight across, but about 1/16 of an inch separated. Performance seemed excellent under the conditions I tested.

Additionally, since skiing last summer, I've changed three parts on the engine. First, the Trigger and Stator were replaced last fall due to a crank - no start condition. I test drove the boat after the repair, but did not ski. Performance seemed normal. Second, just before going to the lake for vacation last week, I put in new plugs. Over used Champions were removed and new NGKs. gapped to .040 were installed.

Does any of this help?
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
The hub is just starting to let go. Find a prop shop (ask at a local dealer) and have the prop rebuilt. It's possible for the prop to completely come off and float to the bottom of the lake.

Or buy a new prop and have the Rapture rebuilt as a spare.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,275
Gee, A Rapture is a good prop, even by today's standards. I would get it rehubbed, however, I would fist prove it needs a rehub..

I never saw a prop with a hub partially failing under load. In my experience they either slip or don't slip, at any speed above 2000RPM.
 

doranj

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
13
Thank you for all replies. I'm going to keep evaluating this. Instead of prop hub slippage, it could be engine performance. I hate to admit it, but I'm not as young as I used to be, it could be skier performance. Now that the prop is marked, I'll be better able to monitor for hub slippage. Thanks again :)
 
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