Propeller Replacement

[Peter_BDA]

Hey folks, need to replace my prop on my Yamaha 130 hp engine serial: L1L314427R. Anyone have any suggestions? I have a stainless "19K" on it now but the bushing is going....

I have emailed getaprop.com in Anacortes WA and Wholesale Marine but would rather deal with a "known" supplier....

Thanks in advance,
Peter

[BrentB]

I like Ken at Propgods http://www.propgods.com/Content2/Default.aspx and their forums

[Sea Wolf]

If the metal part of the stainless prop is still good, why not just get another bushing pressed into it? They do it all the time. Used to be about $75, as opposed to four to six hundred for a whole new prop!

Joe.

[localboy]

[journey on]

Not sure what a Yamaha propeller is like, but if it's anything like the rest of them, it slips onto a splined motor shaft. So the only parts which can wear is any part between the female spline and the prop itself. If the prop spline is worn, I'd check the fit on the motor shaft. Something might be wrong in the fit, spacing etc. If the shear device is gone, what did the prop hit? There should be a rubber sleeve between the spline and prop, to both cushion shock and to shear. This usually goes after a few years and one can replace them.

Next, I'd take Joe's advice and have it rebuilt. A new prop runs $200-$300, I've had them rebuilt for $70 for the hub to $150 as a reward for running into rocks. Bermuda must have a prop shop, it's an island.

Talk to the guy at San Diego Props if you need real advice. He just rebuilds props. OK, not his only job, he builds Baja racers in the winter.

Boris

[thataway]

We have to remember that Peter is in Bermuda, so his choices may be more limited. Also Bermuda used to (probably still does) have a very high import duty on marine items.

The new rubber insert is pressed in with some glue, and is in-expensive. SS props can be rebuilt fairly easily. The splines and main part of the prop remain the same. A SS prop can be reworked. I suspect that there is someone in Bermuda who can rebuild this prop for you. I find "Boater's Choice Propellers", 19 Chapel of Ease St. David's. They have Prop Scan, which means when they rebuild it is to a high tolerance.

If not, then go with Ken at Prop Gods. Very good people to deal with in the US (Florida).

An excellent resource in Bermuda is "Doug in Bermuda" who hangs out on "The Hull Truth" and a couple of other boating forms, like Boat Fix.com. He does travel in the US during the summer recently--but I think is in Bermuda currently--and has good contacts.

[Sea Wolf]

Bob, Boris, et al:

Here's a fact I learned from guy at the "Proper Tighe" prop shop in Alameda, California about replacing rubber prop hubs:

The "glue" / lubricant they use for the process is …….Kayro Syrup (!!!)

It works as a lubricant to slide the larger hub into the smaller prop cavity under hydraulic pressure, then washes out in solution in time.

Our local "Phil's Propellers" in Redding, just uses liquid soap, to the same effect.

One can't do the process at home as it requires not only a hydraulic press, but also a "funnel tool" of the proper size to guide the rubber hub down into the prop cavity. (So he says.)

Do you suppose they'll have a question about this on Jeopardy?

Joe.

[Wefings]

"Ill take remote location prop repair and technology for $150 Alex"?
Marc

[journey on]

I just replaced the prop on the Honda 150. This is an aftermarket Michigan Wheel (from Thailand.) To make this an universal fit, they use a plastic insert between the prop and the motor splines. I forgot about this type of insert in my post above.

This is black plastic, square on the outside, splined on the inside. It provides the shear capability when the prop hits a rock, etc. and shatters. If your propeller uses this type of insert, just get a new one. They're cheap, $35 here: XHS Hub Kits , less shipping and import fees. You might check with your local prop shop, I once found one on Vancouver Isle as they're common.

Boris

[Wefings]

That style of hub is used on many Mercury props. Powertech makes both rubber hub and nylon insert hub props right here in the good ole USA. Many styles to choose from. They are at www.ptprop.com. . We are a dealer, but the internet will take you where it takes you.
Marc