How much does a chip in a prop effect performance?

[Gus]

For quite a few years I have been running a prop with a knick about the size of a dime or maybe a nickle in it. I've never bothered to get this fixed. Is it worth the money to fix? I have 2 spare props I have scavenged over the years that do work on my motor but are not the ideal pitch for performance. I can go faster and hit max rps at full throttle with the existing damaged prop but not on either of my spares. They would get me back to the dock and keep me fishing if I really chewed up the existing. So, should I wait until I really screw up this prop or am I missing something by running with a small knick? All props are aluminum. What would a repair like this average for cost? Motor is mercury 50hp.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I can't say. Our's was damaged a bit more than that, and we replaced it. It made a world of difference. I think I gained 7-8 mph and it helped the hole shot. Now, this had more than a dime-sized ding in it, so it's tough to say what difference it would make in your case. We were told it would be $65 to repair the old one, but this was at a dealer and most things there are quite high priced. It was on a 115 Johnson.

[Borch]

Size of a dime you might be ok as long as the blade itself isn't nocked out of pitch. But get much bigger than that or if the blade gets out of balance and you'll have bigger issues than performance. It's really tough on the lower seals and prop shaft housing with the constant, powerful vibration. If it's an aluminum prop it's a cheap quick fix. Less than $50 for the type of damage you're describing and usually 2-3 days in the shop.

[musky hunter]

Dime size is getting pretty big to let go. Might be ok as a spare prop. As stated earlier, knicks like that affect the dynamic balance of the prop, which transmits loading to the bearings, seals, and gears. Cheaper to repair the prop than the lower unit and the prop.

[marine_man]

I agree with what everyone else has said.. performance wise you're probably not losing a lot... I'd be more concerend about the balance of the prop being off and doing more damage.

Although, again, at the size of a dime it probably isn't terrible.. but since it only costs 50-60 bucks to get it fixed I'd do it...

marine_man