Reconditioning Props

[Bullish]

I spent 30 minutes on the telephone this morning with a prop oufit in New Jersey that uses the "Prop Scan System". Has anyone used Prop Scan to recondition/balance their props? Does anyone have recommendations of best practices regarding reconditioning props? Lastly, can I get the prop off carefully with a hammer or do I need a "prop puller"?

[Hey Doc]

Props

The prop scan system is a good system. It measures the variance in you props via a computer, not by the old method of checking variance with a mechanical gauge.

I think you will probably need a prop puller and a hammer to get your props off. I switched out my factory props with ACME's at the first of the year and it took a good bit of effort to get the old props off. I know it could not have been done without a prop puller.

[Capt B]

I see that you are from BH - my okd High School stomping grounds. I graduated from GL in 1968. I live in Wall and have a puller to get your props off - let me know where your boat is located and I'll help you out. What prop shop did you contact? I have used J&B in Bayville - they are down the street from the Henriques plant - they had prop scan - but never used it - they are typically used by everyone down in this area.

[[email protected]]

If you need to borrow a prop puller I can send you one. You can send it back with a couple of bucks to cover my shipping cost when done.

[Bullish]

Thank you!

Thanks to all for the advice here and offers to borrow a prop puller. I asked my Dad last night to talk with his buddies at the Forked River Tuna Club about borrowing a prop puller. I expect he will be able to get one for me.

Capt. B, I keep my boat in Waretown where I grew up so I didn't go to school in BH. BH is a nice neighboorhood and good school system to raise kids here....just wish I was closer to the boat! I called Advanced Propellor in Mt. Laurel. They are inconveniently located for me so I will give your recommendation a call since Bayville is on my way home from Waretown to BH. My boat is not being pulled until Tuesday before Thanksgiving so I have some time.

One of the advantages of Prop Scan seems to be that the computer records data on your prop and how the machine conditions your prop. Therefore, in following years they have a baseline to work with to tweak for better performance. I'm only turning 3500-3600 rpms at WOP on engines that used to turn 3800-3900. I haven't had the props conditioned in the 5 years (420 hours) I've had the boat, which is my mistake.

[sunshineva]

Bullish, If you have not had your props tuned for 5 years, you are going to like the difference. She is going to run like a new boat when you get bottom cleaned too.

GL

[Bullish]

Hope you are right

I got her up to 3700 rpms today...maybe cooler water temps helped her stretch her legs a bit.