Prop reconditioning.....Does anyone do it?

searay495

Active Member
May 26, 2008
604
Long Island Sound
Boat Info
2004 420 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Twin Cummins CTA 8.3m
480 HP
I was curious if anyone has their prop "reconditioned" without needing it done due to striking something. In other words, other than hitting the prop on something, why recondition a prop?

Thanks
 
I hear what you are saying, but I have considered having mine done because the RPM/throttle position is not the same from port to starboard. Maybe after several hours of use, they wear enough to where they are no longer balanced... I don't know but will be following this thread for more information.
 
Reasons include:

- "factory fresh" doesn't necessary = properly/finely tuned
- because you're not aware of strike doesn't mean it hasn't happened
- vibration, for whatever reason
- an insane number of boats leave the factory props that result in an over/underloaded condition
 
Points noted.....especially about a strike. For me, no noticeable vibrations and RPM's seem to spec.
 
I had it done years ago because a few blades had rough edges. I hadn't noticed any vibration or loss of performance.

The scan showed that the props were considerably out-of-spec. The boat was noticeably smoother and ran slightly faster after the reconditioning. It was pricey though. She isn't as smooth now as she was after the props went back on, but I'm not in a rush to do it again.
 
no noticeable vibrations and RPM's seem to spec.

How about economy? Recents posts/threads have demonstrated that SeaRay will build a boat with entirely wrong prop specs, yet owners see it as "normal" because they don't examine the data.
 
I had my props reconditioned last year and immediately noticed there was no longer any vibration at any speed.
 
My survey turned up sand-grinding on my starboard prop last year. I had it reconditioned and balanced which got rid of a slight vibration noted during Sea Trial.
 
Known strike pull prop in water, no strike props pulled at bottom painting and sent in (approx. every 3 years). No vibration, but props were sent in and were out of balance.
 
Props come out of a factory with no idea where they will end up. If the props are used on a single engine application, then there is no comparison. But when two separate props are installed on twin engine application, then the ever-so-slight difference is sometimes felt or noticed on the data screen (loads-rpm's).
Having props balanced and tuned by a real prop shop, puts the props at the exact same spec down to the fine edge...remember, one is right hand turn and the other left hand turn. We use some high-end props on the L Class boats and even those enjoy becoming a matched set. Having them balanced to each other is prop matrimony....I'm a fan

Capt. R
 
Never thought of the above info. Good to know. I looked at it like tires on a car. You would never seem to think that when you buy a car they put improper tires on it.
 
I have had my props tuned twice in the last two years by a very reputable prop shop in Stuart, FL. I specifically asked them the wear and tear question. They told me props do not drift out of spec from normal use. You have to impact them to cause a change.

I can also confirm Rusty's comment from personal experience. You have no idea what you have down there until you have a prop shop scan them for you. You can feel smooth and still have a blade out of wack or one prop measureably different than the other. For me, it should be the first thing a new owner of a used boat has done.
 
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I carry a spare set of props that are brand new and are scanned. Had the new props scanned after we bought the boat new. Top speed went up about 1 1/2 knots to 38.5 knots. Not sure about fuel economy, although this boat is very close to 1 mpg with gas engines so I'm not complaining.
 
Had mine done last year. I ended up bringing them back because I wanted to add more cup. When they checked them over they were out 1/2 a degree from where they were last year. I normally won't pull them every year, but I wanted more out of them.
Prop done.jpg
11-29-2017.jpg
 
I have used B&S in the past and was quite happy. A tune is in my list for next year as I had them done two seasons ago before getting the 340SDA.

-Kevin
 

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