Do I need a hub kit for a prop?

If a prop has four squared off edges in the hub cavity, it will take a hub kit (see arrows in above images). IMAGE A shows an empty hub cavity, IMAGE B shows one with a rubber hub installed. If your prop looks like IMAGE B, you will need to have the hub pressed out in order to install a hub kit.

Why is my prop slipping?

There are many factors that affect prop slip including the actual pitch of the propeller, the condition of the propeller, the design of the hull, the condition of the bottom of the craft, additional weight on the craft, distribution of weight, height the engine is mounted at, engine trim angle and setback, jack plate …

Can you over tighten a prop nut?

Hard to believe you would be over-tightening the prop nut as this spec is often around 50 ft lbs. Hand tightened or otherwise too loose may allow the prop to slam back in reverse with great force against the nut and possibly shear the securing cotter pin with potential eventual loss of the prop.

How tight should boat prop be?

It will need to be pretty snug to avoid coming off when running your outboard. Once the nut is snugly in place, you’ve successfully installed your propeller.

Does higher pitch prop increase RPM?

Engine rpms and pitch are inversely related. Increasing the pitch will decrease engine rpms and decreasing the pitch will increase engine rpms. As a general rule, a two-inch increase in pitch will result in a reduction of 300 to 400 rpm.

What does a prop hub kit do?

Most Mercury propellers made since 1995 utilize a version of the Flo-Torq shock-absorbing hub, an assembly that slips into the prop barrel. The function of either style of hub is to cushion the interface between the propeller and the propeller shaft.

What does a prop hub do?

The rubber inner bushing inside an outboard propeller hub is designed to absorb the shock created by shifting. The rubber hub bushing also serves as a “breakaway” should you strike something, allowing the prop to spin, and so protecting drive train components like gears.

How tight should my boat propeller be?

If you don’t have a torque wrench, no need to worry, simply tighten down the nut with your socket. It will need to be pretty snug to avoid coming off when running your outboard. Once the nut is snugly in place, you’ve successfully installed your propeller.

How tight should the prop nut be?

The prop nut should be pretty darn tight. I dont use a torque wrench on mine but I crank it down good. Use a block of wood between the propeller blade and lower unit to hold the prop from turning while you tighten it.

How tight do you tighten boat prop nut?

What is the benefit of a 5 blade prop?

Placing the drive higher on the transom reduces drag and can increase speed, but it also places the propeller near the surface. The five-blade design of the Maximus allows it to maintain a solid bite on the water, even in the highly aerated water flow produced by performance boats with stepped hulls.

What is the best prop for top speed?

If you are running an aluminum prop, changing to even a basic stainless steel prop will usually improve top speed. Because stainless steel is stronger than aluminum, the blades on a stainless prop can be thinner, which reduces drag in the water.

What does a high thrust prop do?

A high thrust prop can give better acceleration when boat speed is slow but Ive been in current many times and that would have never mattered.

Can you over tighten prop nut?

Is the Hive Five a good prop?

It’s no joke about the high five though. Love that prop. 19″ Hive Five like Roman mentioned would be a good starting point for that set-up. Reverse thrust is not as strong as with your current prop, but hole shot and holding is pure bliss.

Should I add a fifth blade to my prop?

However, propping down combined with the addition of a fifth blade is going to rob 2-4 mph or more from your top end, even if your top rpm’s actually increase. Cup and rake should also be concidered as either one could increase or decrease your prospective props’ performance given your specific boat, engine, drive and personal needs.

What size prop do you have on your boat?

The prop on the boat is an Alpha 4 aluminum 4 blade 14 inch diameter/ 20 pitch. The top end is 50 with 2 people and one half full tank the WOT is 5000. I am not sure how much it will add to go to the high five 19″ pitch prop.

How do you know what pitch prop to run?

If you are running a lower pitch prop then just watch your RPM’s. There is a trade off between hole shot and top speed when the only variable is prop, you can go fast with a 21-22 pitch prop or you can leap out of the water with an 17-18 pitch prop.