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Author Topic:   Spare Propeller Quality

Frank O posted 11-05-2006 01:43 PM ET (US)
The 1994 Mercury Offshore 225-HP outboard on my 1995 Outrage 21-foot has a Laser II 19-inch pitch propeller. I've been thinking about carrying a spare prop.
When buying a spare, do most people go for something high-quality? That is in my case similar to or the same as my existing prop? Or for a spare is the usual thinking to pick up something low-end (for example, aluminum) just to be able to get back to the marina?
My apologies if this has been discussed, but I'm not finding too much via the search terms I've tried.
Tom W Clark posted 11-05-2006 02:00 PM ET (US)
Frank,
That is entirely up to you. Everybody is different. It will depend on where and how you boat.
If your boating is near your home port, then a get-home prop would be OK. If you are planning a long journey, you might not want to get stuck with a poor performing prop and you would want to have an identical back up prop on board.
I have an aluminum spare for my twin engine boat. I like the idea of the lighter weight of the aluminum prop not banging around so much in choppy water. A stainless steel prop weighs a lot.
On the other hand, it is always fun to try new props. One inevitable outcome of prop testing is that you end up finding a prop you like better than what you have now. The less-than-optimal prop then becomes a good candidate for spare prop status.
If you are running a Laser II on your boat now, I can assure you that you could do much better with a Mirage Plus, Offshore or Revolution 4 or any number of aftermarket props.
contender posted 11-05-2006 09:25 PM ET (US)
I agree with Tom some what, I carry a new lite alum. prop just to get home, you can only use one prop at a time, and a new stainless prop is not cheap. Sometimes dealers carry test props if you are going to try a different size before you buy..ps do not forget your tools to change the prop
jgkmmoore posted 11-06-2006 02:29 PM ET (US)
Agree with Tom.
Additional cautions:
1. Don't use a 'pranged' prop for a spare. A chewed up blade/s or a folded tip will cause expensive problems.I've seen this too often.....only reason mentioned.
2.If you use a reconditioned prop, be sure you check the diameter to see if it is correct.If it has been 'cut down' to repair, you will overrev your engine (if you don't have a tach).Read- grenade.
How far offshore do you boat? How thick is your wallet? If you can afford to duplicate your everyday prop, do it.
Tom W Clark posted 11-06-2006 08:40 PM ET (US)
Frank,
If all you want is an aluminum spare, I have an unused Mercury Black Max 19" pitch prop I could sell to you. I can get it to your door for $90.
BobL posted 11-06-2006 09:57 PM ET (US)
Frank,
I have a 19 pitch Mirage Plus that has too much pitch for my 1994 200 Mercury. My boat is best with a 17 pitch. I would rather have a prop with the correct pitch as a back-up. Tom Clark has a great deal for you but if you want to stick with a stainless prop, let me know.
Bob L

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Author	Topic: Spare Propeller Quality
Frank O	posted 11-05-2006 01:43 PM ET (US) The 1994 Mercury Offshore 225-HP outboard on my 1995 Outrage 21-foot has a Laser II 19-inch pitch propeller. I've been thinking about carrying a spare prop. When buying a spare, do most people go for something high-quality? That is in my case similar to or the same as my existing prop? Or for a spare is the usual thinking to pick up something low-end (for example, aluminum) just to be able to get back to the marina? My apologies if this has been discussed, but I'm not finding too much via the search terms I've tried.
Tom W Clark	posted 11-05-2006 02:00 PM ET (US) Frank, That is entirely up to you. Everybody is different. It will depend on where and how you boat. If your boating is near your home port, then a get-home prop would be OK. If you are planning a long journey, you might not want to get stuck with a poor performing prop and you would want to have an identical back up prop on board. I have an aluminum spare for my twin engine boat. I like the idea of the lighter weight of the aluminum prop not banging around so much in choppy water. A stainless steel prop weighs a lot. On the other hand, it is always fun to try new props. One inevitable outcome of prop testing is that you end up finding a prop you like better than what you have now. The less-than-optimal prop then becomes a good candidate for spare prop status. If you are running a Laser II on your boat now, I can assure you that you could do much better with a Mirage Plus, Offshore or Revolution 4 or any number of aftermarket props.
contender	posted 11-05-2006 09:25 PM ET (US) I agree with Tom some what, I carry a new lite alum. prop just to get home, you can only use one prop at a time, and a new stainless prop is not cheap. Sometimes dealers carry test props if you are going to try a different size before you buy..ps do not forget your tools to change the prop
jgkmmoore	posted 11-06-2006 02:29 PM ET (US) Agree with Tom. Additional cautions: 1. Don't use a 'pranged' prop for a spare. A chewed up blade/s or a folded tip will cause expensive problems.I've seen this too often.....only reason mentioned. 2.If you use a reconditioned prop, be sure you check the diameter to see if it is correct.If it has been 'cut down' to repair, you will overrev your engine (if you don't have a tach).Read- grenade. How far offshore do you boat? How thick is your wallet? If you can afford to duplicate your everyday prop, do it.
Tom W Clark	posted 11-06-2006 08:40 PM ET (US) Frank, If all you want is an aluminum spare, I have an unused Mercury Black Max 19" pitch prop I could sell to you. I can get it to your door for $90.
BobL	posted 11-06-2006 09:57 PM ET (US) Frank, I have a 19 pitch Mirage Plus that has too much pitch for my 1994 200 Mercury. My boat is best with a 17 pitch. I would rather have a prop with the correct pitch as a back-up. Tom Clark has a great deal for you but if you want to stick with a stainless prop, let me know. Bob L