Prop dings reduce speed?

[dyno]

Hi,

I've got a Yamaha 115 on my 97 Skeeter. I've noticed a 5 mph drop in top speed. I hit a rock last year with my stainless prop and noticed it had 3 very small dings. Would that effect top speed? I guess I can file them smooth and try it on the next trip.

Thanks,

dyno

[fishfordollars]

Not 5 mph worth. Look at the hub. If rpms are the same and the mph is off you might start looking for other things.

[Al Wolbach]

Small dings combined with hot summer months could account for 5 MPH. Small dings can make a big difference in performance and I recommend you take it to a prop repair shop. They can return your prop to very near origional condition for normally less than $100. But don't forget the hot air of summer will also reduce the power of your outboard because of less oxygen in the air. The two combined could account for the mph loss.................Al

PS- Some prop repair shops in my area will provide a loaner prop while they repair yours.

[Glenn]

The dings themselves may not cause the performance drop....initially. Prop dings, even small ones, can throw the prop off balance, which can cause serious problems in your lower unit if left alone. Over time, it can ruin your lower unit as the vibration puts excessive wear and tear on bearings and gears.

Get the prop fixed and have your lower unit thoroughly checked out!

Oh, and welcome to the forums!  I hear Brownlee is an awesome fishery.

[Long Mike]

Prop repair pros will tell you to never file the nicks off a stainless prop.  It has something to do with their repair process, but I don't really know what the problem is.  Talk to a prop pro before you begin filing.

[Way2slow]

Filing a prop can leave bits of the file teeth imbedded in to prop and makes welding for repair a pain. I use a sharping stone to knock any burrs off mine.

As for a 5 mph loose in speed, that's very easy if you even slightly rolled the edge when you hit that rock. My boat easily looses two/three mph just from the small dings it gets when loading and sucking small rocks up through it.

Another thing to consider with the time of year. If it was last fall and cool/cold water, your boat would be much faster than during summer hot water times.