Silly question(s)

[Mike YYZ]

I'm new to the boating world, but pretty handy. I've got a 23' Doral Concept with a 5.7L Mercury alpha-1 drive I/O. Some relatives hit some rocks with the prop last weekend, and banged up it up (part of a blade is missing). Luckily they noticed, and stopped right away. On my last boat (which was smaller), the marina charged me over $600 to replace the prop, and I'm not relishing spending that right now.

Questions are:
1. Is prop replacement easy on an I/O?

2. Do I have to take the boat out of the water? ... If I trim the engine right up, the prop is only in about 6" of water.

3. Does anyone know the recommended prop for this boat? - I don't have the owner's manual.

Thanks for your help, Mike.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Silly question(s)

There are no silly questions its only silly not to ask questions.
Prop replacement is easy on outboards and I/Os.Straight drive inboards are
harder to do for obvious and more subtle reasons.,
No need to take out of the water.just work where you can stand in the water.If you put someone in the bow it might get the prop out of the water.Of course you will need to be careful with tools and parts so as not to lose them if dropped.I have to admit I haven't changed a prop in over 30 years but it is a simple procedure.Your I/O will probably have a retainer washer with tabs bent to lock the prop nut.Make note of how tight the nut is
once the nut is removed the prop should slide off.There probably is a thrust washer under the prop be sure it doesn't stick to the prop and drop off into the water.Sometimes if it has been on many years without a little grease to slow corrosion it will be stuck.We'll cross that bridge if you come to it.Prop size will be on the prop on the barrel or under the prop nut. Size usually like this -- X -- 14 X 19 or some such number.may only have a part number a prop shop or someone here may be able to decifer the number.
If I have missed anything anyone please jump in.

 

[Mike YYZ]

Re: Silly question(s)

Thanks... now that I know it doesn't require any particular expertise or special tools, I'll give it a go. I still don't know the prop size/pitch, etc. but I'll give Doral a call, and see if they can give me the details... cheers. M.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Silly question(s)

I still don't know the prop size/pitch, etc.

Ayuh,... Or just pull the prop on it now,+ Read the #s off it....

 

[steelespike]

Re: Silly question(s)

Thanks... now that I know it doesn't require any particular expertise or special tools, I'll give it a go. I still don't know the prop size/pitch, etc. but I'll give Doral a call, and see if they can give me the details... cheers. M.

Doral may be able to supply original equipment prop numbers but it may have no bearing on your present use.Most original equipment props are setup for max speed and not likely to do well for water sports or heavy loads.