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I got the boat back from the mechanic today with the new E-TEC 90 engine mounted. I had him install my new Stiletto 13 1/4 X 15 prop along with the DE-503 hub kit. I did not have time to take a ride with the mechanic when he tested the boat and he said it hit 39.5 MPH on the I-Command gauge. Its mounted with the top bolt in the third hole. When I was checking the boat over before leaving (it was 80 miles away) I notices that there is play in the prop in that I can pull on it and it moves in and out about an eighth of an inch. I asked him about this and he said it's normal. Anyone else ever notice that kind of play in the prop?

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I have the same engine, installed three weeks ago, and the same prop, though mine is an older version that I got off ebay and it doesn't seem to have a removeable hub. In any case it doesn't have any play that I remember, but I'll check tomorrow.

John K.

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There should be zero play with the Guardian hub kits. ALWAYS tighten your propeller nut after the first run as the hub typically settles in a bit. 1/8" is a huge amount of slop. It leaves me with doubts about your mechanic.

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I guess I should have been more clear in my description. The propeller is tight on the shaft and the prop nut is tight. When I push and pull on the prop the whole thing, shaft and prop together, move in and out about an eighth of an inch.

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That's normal. Give this a read:

http://www.etecownersgroup.com/post/p...shaft+play

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Put the boat in the slip yesterday. I and my much better half took the boat into Lake Michigan for the maiden voyage. You really have to hold on with this E-TEC 90 but I didn't get to take it to full throttle because she doesn't like it too fast and I wanted to make it a positive experience for her so she will go with me more often. I'll probably get out by myself one day this week and can make a report about speed, RPM and GPH.