Prop / Skeg damage .......Need help

[kellerqx]

This is my first time damaging a prop so I'm looking for help.

Kinda hard to read the stamping in the side of the prop. But what I'm guessing is I need a 14 pitch but dont know what diameter.

Also, the skeg looks a little bent but not too bad so I dont think repair is needed.

I'm thinking its as easy a remove nut an replace prop, requiring only a socket and no special tools.

What is the best website to purchase from? Should I be looking only new or maybe used.

Thanks in advance.

[jigflinger]

It can be repaired. A good prop shop can fix it for less than a new one.

[flycaster]

check out Soderbloom's Your Outdoor Headquarters for Propeller Repair, Parts and Accessories for Boats, RVs, ATVs, and Motorcycles for prop repair.

[SeaRay]

A good prop shop can fix you up and some times they have used props, maybe stainless steel or bronze, if you wanted to upgrade. They should also check to see if the clutch in the prop is slipping. Sometime a hard knock can cause it to slip and if it is they can fix that as well.

[kellerqx]

SeaRay ..... how should I check to see if the clutch is slipping?

[Barnacle Bill]

Its not really a clutch, its a bushing that is pressed in. If you have the prop rebuilt they will put a new one in. You don't want to run that motor with that prop at all or else you will be putting new seals in the lower unit too.

[SeaRay]

The prop shop can test it and should as part of the rebuild. The hub has a pressed fit busing in it that is designed to fail on heavy impact to prevent shearing the drive shaft. Old engines used a shear pin to protect the drive shaft. Only way to tell if the bushing(clutch) is slipping is with a torque test. One that is damaged may seem fine at low to moderate speeds, but will slip at high speeds causing you to loose power and over rev the engine.
Bill is correct about not running the damaged prop. It is out of balance and will vibrate causing the bearing and seal in the foot to fail and you will get water in the foot and could damage the gears in it if it is really out of balance. Think of a tire out of balance on the front of your car. Remember how bad the steering wheel shook? That is what the foot is experiencing.

[wilbur]

I found a new 12 3/4x21 for a 75 merc for 90.00 online. I would go new. When they rework the aluminum props the become very thin on the edges and are more prone to get chips and nicks,

[Tom 513]

Check Delta propeller in Cleves Ohio, I replaced my fancy $300 stainless prop on My 50hp Merc for like $60, aluminum is more forgiving then stainless if You fish shallow water.