LOST PROP..ever happen to you??

**magnum2.5** · 02-23-2010, 07:48 PM

TODAY, went out for the first time in a while, weather broke and was trying new set-up...was cruiseing at 6200 rpm just gettin ready to hammer down when I hit something in the murky water, back of boat lifted up FREAKED ME OUT, when it settled down I trimed up the motor and low and behold no PROP...prop shaft looked ok the threads were good, just can't figure out how it could of come off in full exceleration, any IDEAS.. had locking nut...man I miss that prop 15x26 4-blade MACH CLEAVER, can't buy a replacement they don't make them anymore...BUMMER...

**bulletbob** · 02-23-2010, 08:42 PM

First time out in Talon with twin 260's at Lake Murray Poker Run. Breakin. Worked through a couple of minor issues. Enjoy the evening at Dockside. Few hours later run up the lake to the house. Turn to my engine builder and friend Sparky(Vicious) high five (weak drunk attempt at speed) hear the port motor rev and pulled back on the sticks. Sparky looks at me and says I think you lost a prop Bab. To dark and buzzed to determine if the prop is still there. Get to dock and prop shaft is history along with one of a matched set of 27* Hoss props. P. S. Tim you were right they were great props, but love the Spinneli's. My first spun "performance" prop. LOL

**Tripps** · 02-23-2010, 10:26 PM

Same thing happened 2 me,but with tripps,u cant hear crap!!! i stopped 4 a slow zone,then went 2 plane off,would not go,checked lowers,no prop on center one

went home got another prop,put it on and the motoa had a rod out the block

drove it home anyway

tripps

**rdkvector** · 02-24-2010, 09:51 AM

CSD23 lost a chopper on his Vector and a 4 blade on his Chris Craft in the same week! Now that sucks!

**Brad Zastrow** · 02-24-2010, 11:03 AM

I had a twin engine 22' Twister. Running hard down the river and one engine started free wheeling. I lift the engines and one midsection cracked and let go of the lower unit with half the midsection and a Mazco prop. Never found it.
I once lost a $5500 Herring prop off a Number Six drive when the nut came off. Those drives do not have locking tabs. The nylock nuts need to be tight and fresh or you lose props. I now use the nuts twice and throw them away. I would suggest the same for outboards even with the locking tabs. Use fresh nylocks all the time. They are cheap!!!!

**euro scott** · 02-24-2010, 11:24 AM

Lost mine a couple months ago, this was after I took it in for service for a bad coil.. The dealer on their own decided to do a maint on the lower on the 300XS fat shaft sportmaster, ran the boat a couple times and then it just came off. I did a visual before I left and it looked fine but what you going to do ? Now it's double nutted .....

**fastcat** · 02-24-2010, 11:37 AM

Since I went to fat shafts in my sportys I have not lost a prop

But when I had small propshafts I lost 3 great props

.

**Mr. Demeanor** · 02-24-2010, 12:29 PM

Sound like double nutting might be worth the effort.

**Brad Zastrow** · 02-24-2010, 02:11 PM

The biggest problem is the Nylock nuts we use over and over and over again. Rule of thumb is if you can spin the nut on by hand time to throw it out. Mercury reccomends a new nut everytime you take the prop off. Props are $600-6000 each. Nuts are $5-25 each. I will never lose a prop again.

**Tom Foley** · 02-24-2010, 03:16 PM

I see a lot of people just putting props on with a bare hand holding the blade while they tighten it , not good . The prop regardless of type requires some firm torque to properly preload the assembly for the stresses of running . A little drop of medium loctite goes a long way for a nut that may have a slightly worn nylock section . I use a piece of regular soft fir 2 X 4 to bear against and if the prop is thin , a leather glove on the block . Never had one fall off of any boat I've owned ...lucky I guess . Tight is right !