First time changing prop on an inboard...

[Dave S]

1st - rant

So, I picked the boat up at the shop friday afternoon, had a complete service done, a scratch fixed and they cleaned it for me. Washed the truck yesterday morning since the weatherman said rain was done from Hurricane(1st mistake), now evverything is shiny clean for our holiday boating outing. We are in a drougt by the way and it hasn't rained significantly since January. We went to our regular boat ramp and water was to low to launch, north wind blew on the water out. Went to another unfamiliar boat ramp and after my friend successfully launched his Supra I loaded everyone and everything and then launched and just backed off of the trailer and felt the prop brush against something, shut it down reloaded and we were done, just knicked a few blades, probably could've made it but no need for me to go out when the boat is not perfect. And not going out today either. Ok, now that the rant is over...


2nd - changing prop

I have a spare prop with acme soft case bag, tools and spare nut keyway and cotter pin to change prop. Succesfully changed prop. The keyway provided in the kit was about half the length of the keyway on the boat from new. Why is this and which one should I use? Will it hurt to use the old keyway? Is it "stressed" now? The short keyway just seemed to short to me. Should you reuse nut and keyway or replace both? I did reuse the keyway but used new nut. I just thought the short keyway seemed to small and am wondering if I was sent the wrong one? I am not going out today so I can change it before my next outing.

Thanks for any help.

[boatwakes]

The key is fine. Woodruff keys are only there to prevent spinning from improper installation. Tapered shafts (tige`) are designed to carry the load over the entire shaft surface area and the key is there only to keep the prop from spinning in case of incorrect installation (the key DOES NOT drive the propeller). Be sure to crank the prop nut, yes it's meant to be re-used, down with about 80-100lb-ft of torque and then install a NEW stainless steel cotter pin and all will be well. Good luck!

[IDBoating]

Be sure to crank the prop nut, yes it's meant to be re-used, down with about 80-100lb-ft of torque....

Woof... my new Acme prop came with written instructions to use around 30-35 ft-lbs, confirmed with a phone call to Acme themselves. I wouldn't quibble about a small difference, but that's three to one. Who is correct?

[Dave S]

As well as my new Acme prop also came with written instructions to use around 30-35 ft-lbs. 80-100 seems a bit much.