PropScan vs Hale MRI?

Planning to pull the boat in a few weeks and looking to have the props adjusted/tuned given how I run the boat. Seems there are 2 very similar systems to having the props tuned, and I'm looking for some feedback on Prop Scan vs Hale MRI.

For me, the local shop is Hale MRI and does a static and dynamic balance. If I want to use Prop Scan, I'll need to take/ship the props to Savannah. I'll assume for now the cost is generally the same. Is one MUCH better than the other?

dtfeld....my marina uses a shop down in Norfolk that employs Hale MRI. I have no expericence with Prop Scan. The Hale MRI cost right at $1100 for 2 props. Turn around time was 1 week. The shop comes to my marina every Wednesday to deliver tuned props and pick up props that need tuning.

Jaybeaux

I used Prop Scan EPS this past summer....EPS being a more stringent scan I guess. I was $500 for one and $600 for the other, both of my props were slightly bent after hitting something submerged...not noticable
I would call each company and ask them what the specific differences are. I suspect they are very close to the same

My local shop uses Prop Scan, and the last time I needed pretty significant work the charge was $645 per prop. I inquired about the difference between their system, and the Hale MRI system and was told the end result is the same just 2 different ways of getting there.

I spent the morning gathering info and I think I found a good solution. While I primarily want to tune the props, I also want to get the bottom cleaned and do one final WOT test based on a fresh clean bottom (were in fresh water so not much growth, but a little lake slime). That was going to be hard to do without pulling the boat twice. The only other reason to pull the boat was I think the speed through water (paddle wheel) sensor is painted into the housing and I wanted to get it out for servicing.

I found a local dive service that will first clean and check the hull/bottom and gear, allowing for my final RPM check, then do a door to door service pulling the props, delivering to the local prop shop (Hale MRI), then pick up and reinstall. He had great things to say about the local prop shop and the owners (husband wife team). I gathered in more reading the two services are very similar.

Diver thinks he can get the paddlewheel sensor out too. Winner!

Costs:

Door to Door Prop Removal/delivery to/from prop shop/Reinstall $700

Prop Servicing Adjusting pitch cup and reconditioning with both a static and dynamic balancing about $600 each, maybe a little less. $1200 total.

Had mine done by a local prop guy last winter. He uses the Hale MRI.
I’ve used this prop shop in the past and they are fantastic.
Looked at Prop Scan too but there are no shops in NY that do it and like you, I couldn’t see any significant difference with the end result so I stuck with the tried and true local guy.
Turned out that mine were only off from each other a tiny bit. I didn’t notice any real performance improvement. Before the job though I sometimes felt like the port prop might have had a very slight, barely noticeable vibration. After having the props done I couldn’t find it anymore so it was probably there.
It’s great having a baseline now though.

JVM225 said:

Had mine done by a local prop guy last winter. He uses the Hale MRI.
I’ve used this prop shop in the past and they are fantastic.
Looked at Prop Scan too but there are no shops in NY that do it and like you, I couldn’t see any significant difference with the end result so I stuck with the tried and true local guy.
Turned out that mine were only off from each other a tiny bit. I didn’t notice any real performance improvement. Before the job though I sometimes felt like the port prop might have had a very slight, barely noticeable vibration. After having the props done I couldn’t find it anymore so it was probably there.
It’s great having a baseline now though.

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Good to know Hale MRI did a good job for you. I should have done this a year ago, but this is the last major mechanical thing on my list. I'm excited for a great year!

dtfeld said:

The only other reason to pull the boat was I think the speed through water (paddle wheel) sensor is painted into the housing and I wanted to get it out for servicing.

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You can pull that "plug" with the boat in the water if you have the "blank" ready to put in. The water only shoots up about 2 feet! If you know that it is coming at you, it is not that bad!!! My paddle wheel had one of the 4 "spokes" broken off. My speed reading on the Tri-Date screen was about 1/2 of GPS speed.

Jaybeaux

Jaybeaux said:

You can pull that "plug" with the boat in the water if you have the "blank" ready to put in. The water only shoots up about 2 feet! If you know that it is coming at you, it is not that bad!!! My paddle wheel had one of the 4 "spokes" broken off. My speed reading on the Tri-Date screen was about 1/2 of GPS speed.

Jaybeaux

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Bought the parts and new o rings for both the paddle wheel plug and the blanking plug. I attempted to pull it a while back. It’s in there solid!!

Looking back at the pics I shot at the sea trial, I think bottom paint got in around the bottom and glued it in place. I’m hoping the divers can help loosen it and get it out. if not it will have to stay until I pull the boat and address the bottom paint.