Will Broken Bent Props Affect Speed?

[Landon]

I have two props on my boat that are missing little chunks and pieces and have bends on the ends of the blades, will this noticeably decrease the acceleration and top speed of my boat?

Also I am unsure of the pitch of the props it is not marked anywhere on the prop.

I have two 485 mercruisers with 1980 mc-1 outdrives if that helps.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Will Broken Bent Props Affect Speed?

Yes, damaged props will adversely affect their performance.

Depending upon the amount of damage; they may be able to repaired, or it may be necessary to replace them.

Either way. you have to remove one to determine the size stamped on the prop hub to know what size to get.

 

[doyall]

Re: Will Broken Bent Props Affect Speed?

In a related issue: as the mechanic who rebuilt my last outdrive said, you may not be able to feel the vibration caused by even small bends and dings in a prop, but the bearings in the drive certainly can and are certainly worse for the wear.

 

[phillnjack2]

Re: Will Broken Bent Props Affect Speed?

even a tiny little bit missing or bent can have massive speed effects and can causeterrible vibration (sometimes).
but with an inboard you dont notice the vibration so much as the mounts are better and softer than outboards.
but speed will definitely suffer and the mechanic is right,the bearings and shafts suffer big time from even small imbalance.
and thats another thing to remember, the porop needs to be balanced properly to save longevity of the whole system.

a small 1/4 inch nick out of 1 blade can cause 2 0r 3 mph is some cases, and bent blades are just terribly ineffiecient.


phill

 

[mars bar]

Re: Will Broken Bent Props Affect Speed?

Chances are you may have also partly spun the hub. Send it out for repair.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Will Broken Bent Props Affect Speed?

Yes, damaged props will adversely affect their performance.

Depending upon the amount of damage; they may be able to repaired, or it may be necessary to replace them.

Either way. you have to remove one to determine the size stamped on the prop hub to know what size to get.

Ayuh,.... Kinda like racin' yer Hot Rod, on Flat tires,....