What can a damaged prop cause?

[Watercanuck]

Hey all,<br /><br />I have a 1984 Tempest Cuddy (20') with a 3.8L OMC In/Out<br /><br />My WOT on the boat is only 4000 RPMs. I looked at the prop and it is pretty banged up with nicks out of it everywhere. (I just bought the boat last week).<br /><br />I don't know much about boats but if the prop has nicks out of it's fins wouldn't that cause the water flow to be uneven resulting in powerloss?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for all your shared knowledge!<br /><br />John

 

[tommays]

Re: What can a damaged prop cause?

the biggest thing is if it has a enough dammage to vibrate it can cause dammage to the drive<br /><br />and of corse its going to have a big effect on boat performance<br /><br />you can look for a prop shop in your area to see if it can be repiared but many times a new one is around 100 dollars and it might cost 50 to 75 for a repiar<br /><br />thats one big avatar <br /><br />tommays

 

[bayman]

Re: What can a damaged prop cause?

Tommays is on the money. From the sounds of things you could really benefit from having a new prop. You should notice the difference in performance. Since your old one still works though, I would get a new one and save the old one as a backup.

 

[paulhofius]

Re: What can a damaged prop cause?

i would be careful about getting a new prop. you should make sure that prop you pick will work for what you plan on using it for, (towing, speed, efficientcy,). You might find that your current prop is not worth fixing.

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: What can a damaged prop cause?

If all it has is deformed edges and is made of alum., you can take a course file and file off the edges, rotate the prop and bake sure there is no deformity in the geometry of the blades [not fins]and it should do better.