Inboard Prop Balance and Tune

[mstaglia]

I bought a 1998 310 Sundancer this summer. Thinking about have the props balanced and checked. Is it worth the cost if I don't have any vibration or prop problems? I heard there is a company doing computer tuning of props. What do you think?:huh:

 

[Sea Gull]

With the boat fully loaded are you able to spin up to full rated WOT?

 

[KayKook]

If it ain't broke , don't fix it. Unless you just have money to burn. MRI is the best way to make sure your props are tuned to original specs, it will cost you several hundred dollars per prop to have them scanned.

And yes you heard right, there is a company that uses MRI proocess to computer scan and tune props. Probably over 100 locations, several different companies in the US alone.

 

[Southpaw II]

If it ain't broke....I agree. I would spend the bucks on another uppgrade. And anyway, the first time you touch something with those new props, you'll be cry'in in your beer....they will be imperfect.

 

[jimdavi]

I had a ding in one of my props last fall and I had them both tuned aqnd repaired the ding. Cost was $500 including removal and install, (boat was out for the winter) and I cruise at 100 rpm less and speeds increased 2-3 MPH across the spectrum, measured with GPS. My boat was new! In my opinion, a big help if you can afford it.

 

[katricol]

Listen to seagull......Can you hit WOT numbers????? that is the starting point.....jeeeeez

 

[Cruisinguy]

IMO it depends on how many hours you run your boat. Prop Scan and MRI aren't quite as high tech as they sound. They basically measure the blades at different points and this information goes into a
computer and it spits out average pitch, etc. A friend owns a
commercial fleet and the props get sent out at least once a year. The boats run about 18 hours a day so he says it pays for itself. If your boat is laid up, you can take them to a shop and they typically scan them for free and will tell you if they are off.

 

[mstaglia]

Yes I do Hit max RPM at WOT.
Thanks for all the advice.

 

[fc3]

I had mine done a few years ago. Big difference on the before and after measurements. Boat ran better after. Considering the fuel those engines consume, it's paid for itself.

Best regards,
Frank

Here we are:
Left - before

Right - before

Left - after

Right - after

 

[Larry]

I think it is money well spent to create a base line of the condition of your props, if you are getting correct WOT then you know that the props are correct but you don't know if they are ballenced and true in respect to each other. After I had mine done last year I gained almost 2kts. at cruise and the boat just felt smooth as silk. My prop shop that is a Prop Scan shop charged me about $300 for both props when I brought them in over the winter.

 

[sbw1]

I'm running prop scanned props. Took the new factory originals off and had those scanned as well as the spares. Both were good but not perfect right out of the box from Michigan Wheel. The scanning is free. You pay for any work you authorize. My top speed went from 39 to 41 MPH. Picked up a little fuel economy and achieve the ideal WOT. That was in 2004 and I've never had to use the spares yet. I do believe the cost has been recovered in improved effeciency.