Frank Taylor, Jr. wrote:

I have an aluminum prop that came with my boat and has been on the boat for
the past two years. The engine and the prop have about 220 hours. I have
been fortunate enough to avoid ever running aground or dinging the prop on
any underwater objects, thus is is in good condition and only shows minimal
wear.

Should I still have the prop reconditioned?? Is it possible that after
enough normal use, the prop can lose shape and still be in need of service?
I am not having any problems but I was just wondering.

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

Frank




We had a new (sailboat) bronze prop from the "gold standard" of same.
The two blades were about an inch different in pitch. We also found that
the prop changed its pitch in a couple of years after being computer
balanced. Aluminum isn't as strong as bronze.

I suspect you should have your prop reconditioned. If you answer the
questions truthfully, you'll probably wind up with a better than new prop.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/