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Replacement Houseboat Propellors - what size and where to get a prop?

by Weasel Sullivan
(Mackeys, NC)

Houseboat Propellors - what size, and where to get good props?

Houseboat Propellors - what size, and where to get good props?

When looking at replacement houseboat propellors, we're wondering what size and where to get a prop for my Carlcraft?


I'm in the midst of fixing up a 37 ft, 1969 Carlcraft houseboat with 220 crusader engines, and we appear to have some vibration in the drive train. The vibration is coming from the port side, and it may be the prop shaft, or more than likely a bent propellor.

Any idea of what size (diameter and pitch) and where might we get a replacement, and or what might be the best props to use on this boat.

Thanks, Weasel.



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Reply - Answer
Weasel, welcome to the houseboat forums, and sorry to hear about your drive train vibration.

You may first want to identify where the vibration is coming from? Is it coming from the prop shaft, the propellor, or possibly some other damage in the drive train system?

If it is a damaged or bent prop, you would likely want to keep the same diameter and pitch as you presently have, as long as the boat previously attained WOT RPM (wide open throttle RPM).


Where to Find Replacement Propellors

When it comes to getting replacement props, I always recommend buying new propellors, and keeping any damaged / repaired props on board as emergency replacements. If you're shopping for a place with a wide selection of new propellors, with good service and pricing, you'll find the
popular houseboat propellor sizes, diameters, and pitches here.



If you're interested in finding out more on choosing the right propellor for your houseboat, you will find the following article of interest:

Houseboat Propellors - choosing the amount of blades and prop material.



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers and visitors will share and post comments about their own replacement houseboat propellor tips and experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats


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Comments for Replacement Houseboat Propellors - what size and where to get a prop?

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Vibration problem with houseboat props
by: Ray

You may also want to check the shaft bearing in the strut. Any slop in these can also cause vibration.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		larger props on some houseboats
by: River Rebel

I read your comments about the props for the houseboat. One common problem that I have run into is finding some of the larger props.

I have a 72 Gibson 36' and run the the older TR drives, same as my old 215H's or the TR2 are the same just change the input shaft, anyways I use 20x17p props and the folks at West Marine haven't even heard of what I use, in fact they thought I had the numbers flipped and asked me if I meant 17x20p.

I personally would call Michigan Wheel and talk to someone with some knowledge of props, or I know of a excellent prop rebuilder in Havana, Illinois.....River Rebel
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Houseboat Prop Finder
by: Gene on Tablerock Lake

I recently was looking for a prop for a 1970 SeaGoing houseboat. 5.7 Liter Mercruiser, 1.5 shaft, 23 Spline, 20" diameter, 13 Pitch. People that know alot more about boating than me, said I was looking for a needle in a haystack.

Thank God for very nice marine owners and great people in general. Long story short I was referred to Henry R. Smith in Michigan who had a new prop that was over 20 years old, but in inventory. If its out there, you can fine it. Thanks also to Len's Prop Shop.
Rating
starstarstar 		Prop Repairs
by: Old Houseboater

Would suggest you pull both props and have them checked/repaired as required. Your props are stamped on the hub with diameter and pitch. If you have to replace a prop I suggest Michigan Wheel. Some prop shops are better than others. Ask around before you pick one.

GET ESTIMATES BEFORE YOU LET LOOSE OF YOUR PROPS.

Make sure you tag your props to which side of the boat they came off from.

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