Running on a bad prop

[mercurymang]

I just bought a new(to me) boat. I posted some pictures on iboats yesterday and some folks said the prop looked bad. One stated they would never run a motor on a bad prop. I'm trying to judge whether or not i should take it out this weekend. The prop is damaged but i don't know how bad is bad. Would it be safe to run one day on a bad prop or will that tear up the lower end?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Running on a bad prop

Very subjective question. If you just have the tips of the blades dinged up and no vibration, probably no big deal. But if you have a blade that is bent and or vibrations then I wouldn't advise it. The drive train is very robust and it would take some time to do any real damage unless the prop is really grossed out, but even then it would take awhile.

Mark

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Running on a bad prop

Post up the pic's in this thread (Prop Section) and you will get better answers on your prop.

I tried to find the pics in your other thread and had a hard time locating them.

Just a thought.

 

[mercurymang]

Re: Running on a bad prop

The pics i had posted up yesterday werent that great. I'll see if i can get some better ones.

 

[mercurymang]

Re: Running on a bad prop

Here is a close up of the damaged prop.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YwTttJrZQpg/UHgn9MLiTdI/AAAAAAAAAaw/95O5l4_NaKo/s747/badprop.jpg

 

[babbot]

Re: Running on a bad prop

Thats pretty dinged up but apparently the PO didn't mind running it like that. I assume any damage thats gonna happen would already have started. A couple hours of test riding probably won't hurt but a run to local marina for a new prop wouldn't be that hard either.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Running on a bad prop

You're gonna lose half your performance potential with a prop like that. It may not be way out of balance but the hydrodynamics are skrewed on that blade...

 

[mercurymang]

Re: Running on a bad prop

You're gonna lose half your performance potential with a prop like that. It may not be way out of balance but the hydrodynamics are skrewed on that blade...

I completely agree. My only concern at this point is whether or not its safe to operate the motor with that prop. I'm dying to get this thing on the water while the weather is still good.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Running on a bad prop

I completely agree. My only concern at this point is whether or not its safe to operate the motor with that prop. I'm dying to get this thing on the water while the weather is still good.

Ayuh,.... Runnin' a bad prop is sorta like drivin' 'round on flat tires... All 4 of 'em....

I wouldn't run that prop, myself,... It's pretty Beat...

It'd be a roll of the dice, as to whether it's safe for the motor or not,...
but, Hey,... they're yer dice, do as ya please....

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Running on a bad prop

Here is a close up of the damaged prop.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YwTttJrZQpg/UHgn9MLiTdI/AAAAAAAAAaw/95O5l4_NaKo/s747/badprop.jpg

I've seen worse. You posted a subjective question to the world via www.iboats.com. You can expect answers ranging from A to Z. When finished you won't be any farther ahead than you were before you asked the question.

It's your money and your equipment. You have to make the decision.

Mark

 

[steelespike]

Re: Running on a bad prop

If you feel vibration do a brief run just to see if it seems to have good power. Though probably hard to evaluate with that prop.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Running on a bad prop

Did you read the recent post about the guys carb linkage vibrating loose on a run back to the ramp with a damaged prop?

Only run with a damaged prop if you really do not like your motor and are looking to destroy it, so that you have an excuse to buy a new one.