Repair or replace this prop?

[mike64]

My prop is a little chewed up. It seemed to push the boat ok last summer but I don't know how much better performance I should get. I have a '72 rude 65 hp on a 16' v-hull fiberglass runabout that weighs about 1000 lb. The dia. & pitch reading on the prop looks like 13-1/4" x 17. Does it need repairing? Is it almost as expensive to repair, so I might as well replace it?

With just me, on calm water I top out at 30 mph. No tach, I don't know my max rpms. The motor has good compression, around 130 on all cylinders, seems to run like a champ. Should I expect to get more speed? Is a 13-1/4" x 17 prop the best configuration for my boat/motor?

 

[gcboat]

Re: Repair or replace this prop?

Hey Mike,

Can't answer your question in regards to more speed, etc. until you get a tach and find out your WOT setting. As far as repair it is usually less expensive to repair than buy new - anyway here in South FL.
A bent or out of shape prop will cause a vibration that you sometimes can't feel at the helm but your lower unit is paying the price. The shaft starts to wobble, starts to wear out seals, etc. and then in comes the water.
I'd just make some calls around town and check on repair prices. Yours doesn't look too bad so the cost may be minimal - at least cheaper than a new one. Take a look on C/L or Ebay for one. Be surprised what comes rolling through there.

 

[mike64]

Re: Repair or replace this prop?

...A bent or out of shape prop will cause a vibration that you sometimes can't feel at the helm but your lower unit is paying the price. The shaft starts to wobble, starts to wear out seals, etc. and then in comes the water...

Interesting-- the guy I bought the boat from last April said he resealed and pressure-checked the lower unit. He buys, fixes and resells boats and motors, and seemed like he knew his stuff. When I checked the oil in the lower unit toward the end of the season though, I got the milkshake. Maybe the prop is to blame then. Thanks gcboat!

 

[mike64]

Re: Repair or replace this prop?

...A bent or out of shape prop will cause a vibration that you sometimes can't feel at the helm but your lower unit is paying the price. The shaft starts to wobble, starts to wear out seals, etc. and then in comes the water...

Interesting-- the guy I bought the boat from last April said he resealed and pressure-checked the lower unit. He buys, fixes and resells boats and motors, and seemed like he knew his stuff. When I checked the oil in the lower unit toward the end of the season though, I got the milkshake. Maybe the prop is to blame then. Thanks gcboat!