Trolling Motor Prop Question

[dmac14]

My trolling motor is terrible in any weeds, I was looking to buy a new 3 blade prop to make it a little better. I bought the trolling motor off craigslist and don't know how old or what model it is. I am not sure what size hub my motor is. It is a 55# 12v Motorguide and I am estimating it to be from the mid 90's?

[basser89]

Hey dmac,

Your trolling motors looks similar to mine (which I bought in '97). My guess would be its a 3 1/2". But if you remove the prop and measure the base, you'll know for sure.

I have a 3 bladed prop for mine but that is my back up. I prefer the 2 bladed. At least with my 2 props, I noticed a definite drop in speed going from a 2 to a 3.

[dmac14]

Well speed for me is not a huge problem, It is a 55# on a 14ft row boat, this thing whips. It is just annoying when going through some thick weeds and you hear it bog down. Is there anything special I need to take of the prop?

[Wayne P.]

If your motor is the 3 1/2" diameter, the new Safari prop will fit it. It is supposed to be designed especially for working in the weeds.

[dmac14]

Yeah I hope it is 3.5", cause there are not very many options for a 3" motor. I will have to check it out next week.

[basser89]

dmac,

I got my last blade from TW. They have both the 2 bladed and 3 bladed props on there. The 3 bladed is the 3 1/2". Here's the links to both

3 bladed:  http://www.***.com/descpageMGA-MGRM.html

2 bladed: http://www.***.com/descpageMGA-MGRPP.html

Hope that helps!

[bunkerbstr]

Dmac, Motorguide doesn't recommend using the 3 bladed prop (Hydrilla hacker) with that motor.  Though it will fit and work, they say it causes additional strain on the lower unit which may prematurely tear up the motor.

That said, who cares, I used to have that same motor and used the Hydrilla Hacker (Motorguide product) for a couple of years and it worked ok on that bow mount.

They have a new 2 blade weedless prop out there that is supposed to be pretty good.  Not sure if the 3 blade Hydrilla Hacker got the best reviews as some were not balanced well.

 

[Wayne P.]

Your other question about if you need anything special to remove the prop--the answer is no just use your fingers, if you are strong enough, to turn the prop nut and pull the prop off. Some motors have the little hand prop wrench stored in the mount at the front. Pliers is a good alteretive. A new prop usually has a prop nut in the package, I recommend you use a couple of drops of blue thread locker when you install the new one. I had a brass insert prop nut come off and lost the prop the next day after I removed the prop to check for line behind it.  I tightened it as much as I could with the hand wrench. Because of the prop loss, and I also had one of the prop nuts crack after bumping into a stump, I use a 3/8 X 24 nut and stainless steel fender washer in place of the Motor Guide nut. I also cut a slot in the shaft end to hold the shaft with a screw driver in case I break the shear pin.

I took the picture before I thought of the screwdriver slot. Just trying to anticipate the Murphy guy.