What Prop(s) for 1960 Gale Soveriegn 60hp

[FFScott6]

I am having trouble finding a prop for my "older" Gale. The current prop is 10 X 11 as stamped on it. I think there is enough room for a 101/4 or 101/2 in diameter. These pics are my "money pit" & lower unit/prop. Would a 12 or 13 pitch fit? I don't care to much for high speed boating as a rule I am looking for some tork to pull a skier or tube.

Exhaust is NOT thru the hub and I have a shear pin to hold it all together

If my pitot/speedo is close to working, I am currently registering 24mph out of the Susqehanna into the bay @ high tide and 22mph coming back (against tide/river current). By the way we enjoy tossing anchor at the beach Island near the Battery Island and the sand bar out near Carpenter point.

It currently does ok out of the hole and gets on plane fairly quick, although I can't back off the throttle to much cause she'll back down, maybe 15 to 18mph.

We're new boaters this season (what's left of it) so any help is appreciated!

 

[steelespike]

Re: What Prop(s) for 1960 Gale Soveriegn 60hp

Diameter simply follows the prop design.You seldom consider diameter except for certain specufic problems ie: pontoon application.
Judging from the wear you surely could use a new/rebuilt prop.
To help with selection you should get an rpm reading A tinytach is reasonable and easy to install.A couple of runs lightly loaded to get us your max rpm and speed will help make a prop selection.You shouldn't make any prop changes without a tach.If you read the prop helps on the iboats prop store page will help understand prop selection.Also would help to know your boat brand, size and weight.I believe the motor came with a 91/2 X 10" prop
with a number of options with higher pitch.Without the info I suggested there is no way to know if your setup is right or your motor is working up to specs.

 

[FFScott6]

Re: What Prop(s) for 1960 Gale Soveriegn 60hp

Thanks for the reply. I've started doing some reading here and on the internet. I had hopes of getting the tach on and a new pitot speedo before the end of the season so I could have the info you are suggesting. We'll have a few more weeks of OK weather to get tested here. If things calm down at work I'll get some initial testing done. I'd like to work on my boat over the winter so I can go early in the spring.

Thanks again and I'll post again here.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What Prop(s) for 1960 Gale Soveriegn 60hp

I like your "batboat", Scott. However, I think you will have problems looking for a (new) prop because of the age of the engine. However, I also believe that Gale was manufactured by OMC so you need to look for props from old junkers of that age.

I do have some 10 inch props from Chrysler engines that will fit, BUT they must be re-hubbed to fit the Gale prop shaft. See: Michigan made the same prop mold for a number of engines and simply fit a different hub into them. So even though the prop has a different number, it is really, essentially the same.

I also have some relatively local contacts that may have a prop for you.

I am in Southeastern Pa too, West Chester area, so if you send me a private message with your phone number we can talk at length.

 

[FFScott6]

Re: What Prop(s) for 1960 Gale Soveriegn 60hp

Thanks for that "BatBoat" comment! I Love it!

Seriously, We've been out 3 times since getting her running and each time I had 2 or 3 poeple talk to me, asking all sorts of questions and one older gentleman remenisced. I was nervous about gettng this older boat out in the water but am very proud of it now. I'm convinced it'll be worth atleast a partial restoration. I'm learning these vintage boats are hard to get parts for. My neighbor thinks he saw two aristocrafts at a boat (bone) yard near the Indian River area. He also knows OMC/J/E's very well. He too is keeping an eye out for me. I'm gonna check it out.

FR and other on here have mentioned OMC relationship to Gale to me and others so I'm gonna keep looking I'm sure I can find a prop and other parts.

I'm doing a ten day stretch at work but I'll get back to you in a couple weeks.

Thanks, Scott

"The folks on here are great"