props

[roffey]

Originally Posted by roffey

… now you have me thinking, the lower unit anode is broken off. From what I understand I don't really need it as this is a I/O motor and the boat does not stay in the water, feel free to correct me here. I wonder if the previous owner broke off the anode to put the 15.5 diameter prop on…

I think to much... the anode does not interfere with the prop...

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by roffey

… now you have me thinking, the lower unit anode is broken off. From what I understand I don't really need it as this is a I/O motor and the boat does not stay in the water, feel free to correct me here. I wonder if the previous owner broke off the anode to put the 15.5 diameter prop on…

Originally Posted by roffey

I think to much... the anode does not interfere with the prop...

To run the larger diameter props MERCURY sells a smooth anode without a fin on it to clear them. And props are available in varying diamters. Larger diamter props tend to be for slower boats that need more blade area for bite at slower speeds. What engine and drive do you have in the boat? The 17 pitch may be a tad big for that size of a boat if it has a small block in it.

[chart]

and put a new anode on if you have not. better safe than sorry

[roffey]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

To run the larger diameter props MERCURY sells a smooth anode without a fin on it to clear them. And props are available in varying diamters. Larger diamter props tend to be for slower boats that need more blade area for bite at slower speeds. What engine and drive do you have in the boat? The 17 pitch may be a tad big for that size of a boat if it has a small block in it.

I have small block 350 chev with a merc alpha 1 outdrive.

I am willing to buy a new prop as I suspect the preveious owen might have the wrong prop on it.... I was going to see if I could take the boat and water test it with different props, if possible..

[THEFERMANATOR]

Try the 15.5X17 and see how it runs first. That big of a boat will like a large diamter prop(like a MIRAGE) or a 4 blade to get enough surface area so it will stay on plane at slower speeds. As for an anode, get teh smooth MERC one for it if you replace it. The one with a skeg fin on it will need trimmed to clear the larger diameter props.

[roffey]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

Try the 15.5X17 and see how it runs first. That big of a boat will like a large diamter prop(like a MIRAGE) or a 4 blade to get enough surface area so it will stay on plane at slower speeds. As for an anode, get teh smooth MERC one for it if you replace it. The one with a skeg fin on it will need trimmed to clear the larger diameter props.

Most likely why it was broken to begin with? I guess what I need to do is put the boat in the water, make sure it floats then make sure it starts and then go for a run ... I am sure it will. I looked at it last weekend and it's in much better shape than I thought.

[roffey]

I checked and the anode was broken to allow the prop to rotate. Keep me on track here but I think it will work the way it is and I don’t need to replace anything. The spot where the anode is, is just a little rough but no cracks. So once more go ahead and replace nothing.

[THEFERMANATOR]

MERCURY sells the anodes without the skeg fin just for people running large props. If you run one with a skeg fin on it, you will have to grind it to clear the prop. Replacing the anodes is always a good idea if you plan on keeping it in the water.