See full version: Spun prop symptoms
You could remove the prop, and the hub *might* look bad. But realistically, testing as stated above is the best way. You could also bolt on another identical prop and run it. Either way, you're gonna have to water test it to be sure. more
Just more dumb questions. Is there a clutch or something in the lower unit that could be slipping and making it appear the hub is spun out. here
Is there a way to check it without dragfging the boat all the way to the dock? more
Miami Propellor Re-Hubbed the prop, they said it was totally shot. Have not had a chance to try it out yet, things keep taking priority [links]
This small book features notes on how to service, diagnose and repair Outboard Motors, Stern Drives and Inboard marine engines. Coverage includes: winter lay-up and spring commissioning procedures; tune-ups, carburetor rebuilds and water pump repairs. [links]
So how do you know definitively that the propeller hub is spun? Begin by removing the propeller and examining it. Look closely at the rubber hub for telltale clues, anything from subtle to dramatic signs of failure. The hub might be twisted or even look melted. Another method is to use a ball pein hammer and a center punch. Pein a dot on the metal splined hub and adjacent on the mating surface of the propeller proper. Reinstall the propeller and go for a ride. Run the engine under load. Merely idling dockside may not flow enough torque to challenge the hub. After a few minutes remove the propeller and examine your handiwork. If the dots no longer line up, then the rubber hub is spinning in its bore. more
So how to you replace a spun hub? That's easy: Get out your debit or credit card. This is not a do-it-yourself project. Propeller shops use a hydraulic ram and many tons of pressure to press the bad hub out of of its bore. It is then unceremoniously tossed in the trash heap, or more properly, the aluminum or stainless steel recyling bin. A shiny, new hub is pressed in place, carefully. To ease the interference fit it is liberally lubricated with a spray of soap and water. here
The lowly propeller provides forward motion. At least until bad things happen to a good propeller. You would think the punishment propellers endure when they whack into an inanimate object would be a death sentence. But even when a propeller hub spins, or a blade curls back at a sickening angle the damage
Some new wave propellers dispense entirely with the venerable pressed hub system. In its place are replaceable hubs with a different hub available to fit each one of the spline patterns required for the different brands of outboard motors and stern drives. In the unlikely event a hub is ever damaged simple take off the wheel, lift out the wrecked hub and throw it in the trash bin. Insert a new hub and you are back in the water in matter of minutes. Beyond the quick fix, what is really nice about the system is the way you can switch from one pitch propeller to another. That is invaluable for a boat that pulls double duty as a fast flyer or a ski tow boat. No matter what kind of propeller you have it's a good idea to have a spare onboard. more
Beyond collision, another culprit is fouling the propeller with someone's abandoned dock line. When it wraps around the propeller the engine keeps turning the propeller shaft but the propeller is locked up tight. What happens next isn't pretty. The rubber hub breaks loose from the metal hub and begins to spin in its bore at 1000- to 2000 rpm. As a result not all the engine torque converts into forward thrust and you begin to notice decreased acceleration and top speed. The solution is as simple as the sea is salt: Replace the hub. Depending on its size a propeller can be reconditioned for as little as 30 to 100 dollars. Bent blades cost extra. more
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Have any questions about replacing a spun hub?
The hub is a piece of plastic designed to break if you hit something with your prop—it’s a safety feature so that none of the more expensive parts break. more
It takes about five minutes and can be done with just some basic tools.
Let me know in the comments below! here
Once a hub is spun, there generally remains enough friction to operate at low RPM –sort of a “get home” mode. But, when RPM is increased, the engine revs with little or no boat acceleration because the prop begins to spin. A spun hub feels like a loss of power with excessive RPM. here
Also, what are the signs of a spun prop hub? [links]
The rubber inner bushing inside an outboard propeller hub is designed to absorb the shock created by shifting. The rubber hub bushing also serves as a "breakaway" should you strike something, allowing the prop to spin, and so protecting drive train components like gears.
Similarly, how much does it cost to Rehub a prop? Re: How much to rehub a prop It cost about 1/3 ($80) of a replacement. This included re-hubbing because the casting process destroys the rubber slip-bearing (or whatever that thingy is called!). Rebuilding is usually a set price depending on the size of your prop. more
Will a bigger prop make my boat faster?