Prop has a little play

[Jaydubbbb]

Have a four blade 17 1/2" prop on '02 wakesetter VLX. Ride felt different last time out. Once garaged, looked underneath and when working the prop, it has a slight play on the shaft before beginning rotation in the opposite direction. Is that normal. Wearing the key out perhaps? Thanks.

[UWSkier]

Is the whole shaft turning or is the prop turning free of the shaft? It should be rock solid tight on the shaft taper regardless of whether the key is in there or not. I'd pull the prop and look for any hub damage (it could've gotten rounded out if it was flopping around on the shaft). If the hub looks good and fits nice and tight to the shaft taper, tighten up the shaft nut. If the nut is as tight as it goes and your prop still has slop, the hub is shot.

[Jaydubbbb]

Is the whole shaft turning or is the prop turning free of the shaft? It should be rock solid tight on the shaft taper regardless of whether the key is in there or not. I'd pull the prop and look for any hub damage (it could've gotten rounded out if it was flopping around on the shaft). If the hub looks good and fits nice and tight to the shaft taper, tighten up the shaft nut. If the nut is as tight as it goes and your prop still has slop, the hub is shot.

The slop is without turning the shaft. Just a few degrees worth of free play before turning the shaft in either direction. Will pull tonight. Thanks.

[JBuck]

I have a small vibration due to a small bend on the tip of my prop, I don't want to wear the hub out or throw the shaft out line. Is there somewhere I can send the prop to have it re-balanced and made true again?? I live in Atlanta, Georgia.

[UteBu]

I have a small vibration due to a small bend on the tip of my prop, I don't want to wear the hub out or throw the shaft out line. Is there somewhere I can send the prop to have it re-balanced and made true again?? I live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Look in the yellow pages for propeller repair, or call marine maintenance places and ask them. Should be an easy and relatively inexpensive repair less than $100. You can find good places online that you would have to ship it back and forth and that will make it more expensive so I'd go with the local route.

Is the bend on one ear or on all ears of the propeller? I dinged mine up and had it repaired for about $60 at a local shop.

[JBuck]

Yep dinged up on the ears just like yours, just a little less severe.

[mrothwell]

Yep dinged up on the ears just like yours, just a little less severe.

When I needed a prop repaired, I called the Malibu, Mastercraft and Nautique dealers and asked each of them who they sent their props to. They all gave me the same place, so I just took it to them, no shipping expense.