Any Prop shops still around?

[Larry3215]

There used to be a place in Tacoma that did prop repair, re-pitching, refurbishing etc etc, but they have been gone for several years now.

Is there still anyone around that does that stuff?

I suspect that with the low cost of aluminum props these days plus easily replaced hubs, its just not worth the cost to get one re-pitched or repaired.

Id like to drop one point on pitch on my prop but they dont make one that size.

[G-Man]

FYI - re-pitching a prop is not worth the money unless you have a composite prop like a Piranah where you can actually swap out the blades. Your RPM's won't increase, in fact they will probably decrease, and you'll lose top end speed. When a prop is cast, its pitch is permently set where the blades meet the body of the prop. Short of cutting off the blades and welding them back on at a new pitch, all the shop is doing is bending the blades from the middle to the tips. If you are running an aluminum prop now, drop down 2 in a stainless prop and you'll get what you are after, as the stainless props flex less.

[Larry3215]

If the shop knows what they are doing - and you dont push it too far - it can work quite well. It depends on your goals.

I had an aluminum prop repaired and re-pitched by that shop thats no longer there and it worked out fairly well. We had picked up a project boat - an old 72 Glassply with a 350 chevy in it and a Johnson outdrive. I forget the exact details, but after we rebuilt the motor we were not getting the full throttle or cruise rpm we wanted. We had too much pitch and props to fit that outdrive were hard to find.

They repaired some dings and chips in the prop, re-balanced it and took it down one point on pitch. I cant remember of they added some cup or not. They said one point of change in pitch was about all they could do on an aluminum prop - especially one that old.

We picked up some rpms and were reasonably happier with the performance. We didnt pick up any significant speed, but the calculated prop slip was lower, hole shot was better and so was MPG - not by much but still better. In that case it was worth it mostly because we couldnt find a new prop to fit that was even close to the correct pitch for a reasonable price.

Im in a similar situation now. RPM's are ok but definitely on the low side of ideal. Dropping 2 points will probably be too much. I dont care a hoot about top speed. Im more concerned with efficiency and I tend to be anal about things like this. I would like to get closer to the perfect rpm and - hopefully - improve prop slip and efficiency some at the same time.

On the other hand, there is no point worrying about it if there are no shops that do that any more - or if the cost is prohibitive. I dont really want to invest in a stainless prop either. My brothers like to push the limits in shallow/rocky water too often

[Onmygame]

It shouldn't be too hard to find a shop in the Tacoma / Seattle area that does prop repair as there should be several. Google 'prop repair' in your home town.

The guy I bought my Lund from told me he had the prop resurfaced after hitting gravel for about $60 if I recall. Am thinking he had Anglers Marine in Tacoma do it. If they weren't the one, they would likely know who to contact.

Prop looks flawless by the way - considering they used a weld of sorts to fill the chips, ground it back down, sanded and painted it. Works great too.

onmygame

[Larry3215]

Onmygame - Thanks to you, I am embarrassed by two things.

I often give people a hard time for not Googling or RTFM before asking simple questions in forums - and I didnt follow my own advice! The second is that - now that I did a Google search - Tacoma Propeller is not gone! They just moved!

Now to gather my rpm and speed data and go see them next week.....

[Toni]

Hunter757 just had his prop done within the last two months I think, in Tacoma.

[Hunter757]

Yes, Tacoma prop is still in business and well they will be moving again in the futures and not sure where yet. They do great work and have a fast turn around time. Good luck Larry hope they can fix you up!

[Hunter757]

Here you go: http://www.tacomapropeller.com/

[Greenfishnut]

The Prop Shop - - Boat Propellers & Accessories
http://www.propshopinc.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This outlet offers an extensive inventory of boat propellers & hardware plus repair services.
Address: 3610 S Rd #100, Mukilteo, WA 98275
Phone: (425) 745-1700
Hours: Open today · 8:30AM–4PM