Prop Mods
 

Well, I had some unfortunate luck. My zinc anode loosened up and slid down, and my (ss) prop banged into it and then wedged it in. So, I ended up with one bent blade. I'm pretty sure my lower unit is okay, but the prop is out of balance. I checked the lower unit oil and didn't notice any metal shavings but I didn't drain it all out. I'm going to send the prop off to get it fixed/refurbished and was thinking about getting some mods done while it is at the prop shop. They offer pretty much anything; venting, cupping, thinning, etc. Any of you guys have any experience with these mods? I would be most interested in mods that help with hole shot and running shallow, but I'm not opposed to improved speed as well. Any thoughts?

Pm montauk17. He can help you out.

What kind of boat and motor,and how many rpm's does it turn at WOT? Stainless steel or aluminum prop?

SS 3 blade prop on NS2200 bay Yam 200HPDI. Don't run WOT very often, but it's in the low 5k's.

The WOT rpm has everything to do with overall performance and holeshot. Sounds like you need to go down in pitch to get the best performance. Every degree of pitch you go up or down you will loose/gain 200 rpm's.The HPDI should be at 5,500-5,800.The diameter of the prop also comes into play. On a bay boat you want a large diameter to carry the weight. Do you know what brand of prop that is? On a bay boat your best performing prop is either a yamaha saltwater series 2 or a mercury mirage plus,both 3 blade props.

Thanks
 

Thanks Montauk. That is very helpful. I'm ashamed to say I'm not sure of the brand. I'll check it out when I get home. Just bought the boat used a month ago, and had to go out and mess it up. I guess I'll look at it as an opportunity to improve my performance. Luckily the guy I bought the boat from gave me the original (black) prop that came with the Yamaha. At least I have something to keep me in the water while I'm repairing or replacing my prop.

While we're at it, the prop is spinning smooth in neutral and the lower unit oil looks fine. Do I need to do anything else to make sure my lower unit isn't damaged?

If the prop shaft is straight while spinning it and the lower unit oil has no shavings you are fine. Yamaha lower units can handle some serious abuse. I worked on a crew boat a while back that hit something and busted a hole by the bearing carrier. They ran it 15 miles back to the dock with no oil without it locking up.

Thanks again. I'll let you know what I end up with.

No problem,anytime.

Dont forget the Mercury Tempest.:)

On a lightweight bay boat,yeah. Tempest was made for boats with a performance pad hull. On a heavier bay boat you can't beat the mirage. I have ran every prop on the market,and it's hard to beat.