Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Bake on 02/22/11 - 6:26 PM

I had a unfortunate incident toward the end of the boating season last year. A rock had a very unpleasant conversation with my prop. I was running at speed at the time the ugliness took place. The prop, a thin stainless one, was damaged beyond repair. This also broke the back edge of the bearing keeper. This is the lip that the prop slides down behind when installed on the prop shaft. The lip was busted almost half the distance around the foot. I finished poping it off and filed it smooth. The question is with the lip broken off the foot there is a open gap between the foot and the prop. Does anyone think this will cause enough turbulence to be a problem?

Posted by WhalerEric on 02/22/11 - 7:40 PM

Sounds like it broke because your prop shaft is bent, which means bigger problems than exhaust ventilating your prop. Check your shaft and gear oil, then check around for a new gear-case and call your insurance company. Bummer! I hope I'm wrong.

Edited by WhalerEric on 02/22/11 - 7:46 PM

Posted by Bake on 02/23/11 - 4:34 AM

Eric, I thought the exact same thing when I saw the damage. I was so disgusted with myself, and the incident, that I would not even spin the prop to see how bad the shaft was bent. This weekend I had my straight edge already laid out to check the run out on the shaft. I spun the prop before I pulled it and it looked pretty good. I could not believe my eyes. I then backed up and had my son spin the prop by hand, again it looked pretty good. I was completely taken by surprise. At that time I decided to just pop the lip off and try it. I know it may not be the best solution but the motor is a 1995 and I actually hope to have my project whaler wet this year. The bottom line is if it runs I don’t care that much about it looking a little funny.

Posted by WhalerEric on 02/23/11 - 4:31 PM

Yea... S#*t happens and it happens to all of us at some time or another. But I think its great that the shaft isn't bent that leaves hope.
I would test run it like it is and see if there is any difference in performance. I bet top end will be fine because most or all of the exhaust will go through the hub like it's supposed to. Question is about acceleration. You might actually get out of the hole a little quicker with the added vent to the prop. But who knows... try it and let us know. Oh and hey... watch the rocks! :)