Starting prop Ford 302 1971

[Chronostone]

When I bought the boat the entire outdrive was a basket case. Repairs are complete, but am having doubts if the prop that came with it is even close to what it should be.

For one thing it barely clears the directional skeg, (by like 1/8 inch)... and the skeg was not installed on the parts in the basket when I bought it.

Does anyone out there have a Mercruiser 888, 1.5 ratio gears on the back of a '71 Ford 302, ("188 hp" on the valve cover). If so what prop are you running? Do you think it is the factory original size?

I just need a prop size to start with that I know is close to correct. Even the diameter would help...

Been a ton of sweat and even more money in this fixer upper, I don't want to ruin the outdrive on the open water test...

Is the prop supposed to just barely clear the directional skeg thing? It looks to me like one blade of the prop got bent back a little, and then hit the skeg and took out a piece of the prop.

Once I have a starting prop size, at least a proper/safe diameter, and can go from there with all of the WOT stuff. (I'll have to come back here to get the recommended WOT rpm, can't seem to find that anywhere for the old motor...)

Any real life information would be appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting prop Ford 302 1971

When I bought the boat the entire outdrive was a basket case. Repairs are complete, but am having doubts if the prop that came with it is even close to what it should be.

For one thing it barely clears the directional skeg, (by like 1/8 inch)... and the skeg was not installed on the parts in the basket when I bought it.

Does anyone out there have a Mercruiser 888, 1.5 ratio gears on the back of a '71 Ford 302, ("188 hp" on the valve cover). If so what prop are you running? Do you think it is the factory original size?

I just need a prop size to start with that I know is close to correct. Even the diameter would help...

Been a ton of sweat and even more money in this fixer upper, I don't want to ruin the outdrive on the open water test...

Is the prop supposed to just barely clear the directional skeg thing? It looks to me like one blade of the prop got bent back a little, and then hit the skeg and took out a piece of the prop.

Once I have a starting prop size, at least a proper/safe diameter, and can go from there with all of the WOT stuff. (I'll have to come back here to get the recommended WOT rpm, can't seem to find that anywhere for the old motor...)

Any real life information would be appreciated.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... Some trim tabs hit some props,... There's different versions of both...

When shoppin' Props, ya shop Pitch,... diameter works itself out, no need to worry 'bout it, generally speakin'...

Get yerself a 19" pitch prop for yer drive,... diameter will be 'round 14" or so...

That's 'bout middle of the road, of what's readily available,...

 

[Chronostone]

Re: Starting prop Ford 302 1971

Thanks for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it.