loss of speed from engine (prop?)

[rick peacock]

I own a Catalina w/ a 25xp Univ. engine. I had the boat out of the water to do a bottom job and replace the cutless bearing. I also power wire brushed the existing prop. Is there a possibility that they could have put the prop on backwards??? I know that it probobly has keyways so it does not seem likely they did but, ???? The engine only has 500 hours on it and I always change the oil every 50 to 75 hours, and keep up all the other maintenence. I do carry alot of weight on the boat, ie: central A/C, plus just stuff as I live on it 1/2 the time. Should I consider a different prop with more pitch as long as I keep it within WOT spec's? Any ideas will really be helpful, Thank you as you people have helped me in the past. Rick

 

[Richard]

Take a swim

With the motor off. If the leading(flat) edge is forward of the trailing edge and points toward your starboard side, then its on right way. You may have pickup something that has fouled your prop since you've gone back in the water(fishing line, plastic bags, etc..) and you'll notice that as soon as you take a swim. If its OK there could be other problems( Slipping transmission). Typical 2 bladed prop diameter for this boat/engine combo is 13"

 

[RonD]

Speed

RickHard to tell with the lack of information in your post.If your boat still moves forward when in forward gear, you certainly didn't put the prop on backwards.If you replaced the cutlass bearing, it might be a bit tight & that can suck up HP to overcome the friction. Hopefully, you put in the proper sized bearing and installed it correctly.Following a cutlass bearing replacement, you should ensure that the prop shaft alignment is checked, and adjusted if necessary.I can't see where cleaning the prop would cause a loss of power, unless you somehow altered the pitch (that would be some "extreme" cleaning!).--Ron

 

[Roger]

Fouled prop

I had a sudden power loss after the first outing last summer, was advised on the list to 'take a swim' and found 12 feel of black poly line; a mass of netting; and three deflated party balloons wrapped around the prop and shaft.I was able to untangle the mess in about ten hold-your-breath dives in water in the low 50's. Did amuse the folks on the dock mightily.RogerC27 &MabelCape Cod