Props

[NC Mtn Water]

My first post: can someone please offer me advice on what new prop to buy? I ran my 07 19' Cruiser through a shallow, sandy, rocky bottom of our lake and messed up my prop a tad.

She runs differently, more roughly now. Vibrations across various rpms. I assume a new prop is in order for my Yamaha 90 4-stroke. Am I on the right track? Where might you direct me to make sure I get the right replacement unit (assuming that is the right diagnosis)?

Thank you.

 

[ghone]

Sorry to hear. A lot of us have done that and more will yet. A bent prop will really shake things. Don't run it till its fixed. If it is aluminum have a prop shop look to see if it can be restored. If its really shredded replace with same pitch and diameter from your dealer. I dinged a prop a couple years ago and my prop guy had it looking new quickly. Hopefully nothing in your drive train was bent. If anything feels funny or shakes with a new prop it may have bent things further up. That's why I like alum props as they will fold themselves up and spare your drive train. A ss prop takes it fine and destroys 3 grand worth of drivetrain. Best of luck. A lot of us have found the beach. George.

 

[journey on]

If you didn't know before, you're certainly learning about running in the shallow water off the east coast, even if it was a lake. So don't panic and take your time getting it fixed, you'll be there again.

So, George said something that I want to repeat: "If it is aluminum have a prop shop look to see if it can be restored." Even if it's stainless, find a prop shop to restore it. You'll meet someone who not only fix that thing, but can help you select the correct pitch and repitch it if needed.

I found a good prop shop in San Diego, Vancouver Isle and Miami. I'm certain you can find one near home. Google search, ask around, but don't give up.

Good luck, Boris

 

[thataway]

Always carry a second prop (or back ups if twins)...Agree you don't want to run the unbalanced or damaged prop to avoid seal and gear box damage.

I like SS props over AL, but the current boat came with one used and one new Aluminum, so I'll have the used reconditioned, and stay with the new one. If I ding it up badly--it happens--then I'll get a SS prop. SS do better with minor contacts with sand etc--but since they don't give, it can cause gear box problems. The aluminum prop flexes more, and will ding more easily.

 

[joefish]

Welcome to the C-Brats. There is an abundance of good advice and good friends here. While many are more knowledgable than I, few have mangled more props. Murphy's Propeller in Norfolk, VA has done a lot of work for me. I've had them repair stainless steel as well as aluminum props. It's amazing. Gnarled-up props come back looking like new at half the price of replacement. I'm sure a prop could be beyond repair but, so far so good for me (knock wood). I also recommend keeping a replacement prop (and the tools to replace it with) on your boat.

Hope this helps. http://www.murphyspropellers.com/ :thup :wink: