Prop Problem

[ScottPeterson]

I have noticed some spots on my prop (see attached photo) Does anyone know what would cause this? My boat is a 2016 Nautique 200 6.2L

Thanks,

Scott

 

 

 

[markchilcutt]

Which spots are you talking about? The larger discolored ones close to the hub or the small ones in the middle of the blades?

[gregy]

That would concern me if It were mine. I'd contact the prop manufacturer and dealer/nautique.

[oldjeep]

Looks like weird pitting, I'd put your spare on and take it to the prop shop. Maybe send acme/oj a picture. odd that the prop nut on a 2 year old boat is that corroded or discolored. Also, where is the cotter pin?

[DW]

@ScottPeterson : The pitting close to the root of the blade appears to be localized cavitation or boiling causing the air bubbles to erode the prop surface. You might look upstream of the prop to see if there is any dings or damage that would affect the water flow along the hub of the prop.

[vtmecheng]

Agree with @DW, looks like you have some cavitation at that spot. Contact a good prop shop or Nautique rep to figure out what the cause is.

[Jody_Seal]

Cavitation! How many hours on prop?

[markchilcutt]

I remember seeing similar pitting on the rudder of my 06 response. 800hrs didn’t think much of it.

[ScottPeterson]

Thanks everyone, I will check for damage upstream and take the prop into a prop shop.

 

 

[Orlando76]

I see two concerns. Spots on the blade but more concerning is putting on the nut. Electrolysis? How’s your dock’s Electric?

[eleeski]

Does this affect your buoy count? At all?!

 

We aren't racing where a little prop inefficiency matters. I have never buffed out a prop. (Beaten it with a hammer to fix a ding.) If you have vibration or the prop won't make speed, take it to the prop shop. Otherwise, your prop might fail prematurely - at 2000 hours. If the inevitable ding doesn't get it first. Enjoy it without worry until then.

 

And don't encourage the already too anal crowd with some new maintenance concern that they can stress over instead of skiing.

 

Eric

[LeonL]

I don't see a reason to take the prop off. Drive on!