Many Thanks:

[Mako19]

Originally Posted by Gerald

The prop bushing is damaged when the prop hits the bottom or some object. The bushing can "fail" if you get in too shallow of water and the prop is hitting the bottom for a long time.

Every time the prop hits something...... the closer the bushing gets to "spinning". Over time, the bushing weakens and could spin out the next time the prop hits something or maybe while you are just running in open water.

Thanks for the detailed reply, Gerald.
is there a way to check to see how badly damaged the bushing is before it goes out or is it one of those things that you just have to wait for it to fail (most likely when you are 40 miles offshore with a storm approaching).

[redaddiction]

Originally Posted by Mako19

Thanks for the detailed reply, Gerald.
is there a way to check to see how badly damaged the bushing is before it goes out or is it one of those things that you just have to wait for it to fail (most likely when you are 40 miles offshore with a storm approaching).

Keep a cheap spare prop on board even if wrong pitch or aluminum. It will get you home at least.

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by Mako19

Thanks for the detailed reply, Gerald.
is there a way to check to see how badly damaged the bushing is before it goes out or is it one of those things that you just have to wait for it to fail (most likely when you are 40 miles offshore with a storm approaching).

I edited my other post for ways to tell if the bushing is starting to fail.

There is no way to tell the condition of the bushing unless you take it apart....which usually requires special equipment.

Some of the larger outboard engines are made so that the bushing is very easy to change..... if you keep a spare bushing in the boat. You still have to take the prop off.... and on the water there is a high probability that it could be dropped while doing this.

The other alternative is to carry a spare prop and tools needed to change..... which I always keep in my boat. I have stopped several times along the bank where the water is very shallow to change a "spun" prop.