[donld2003]

I have an old--don't know exactly how old, but I bought it overseas about twenty-five years ago and it was old then--4-stroke Honda 7.5. Last week I hit the prop--a two blade one--on my rudder and lost thrust even though the engine kept running beautifully. The prop turned easily by hand, and I assumed I had broken the shear pin, but when I pulled the prop the pin was intact. There's a rubber liner inside the prop that is not firmly gripping the part that engages the shear pin, and this is allowing the propeller to turn freely around the shaft. As an absolute novice to outboards, I have no idea what I should do next. Any info/advice will be appreciated.

 

[Mechsmith]

It was bonded together when made. The repair was $35.00 in 2010 when mine went bad.

Burris Prop Repair in Fort Myers fixed mine. Head for your local yellow pages.

 

[donld2003]

Many thanks for the reply. Any idea how it would be bonded together? I'm tempted to try epoxy or gorilla glue if I can't find a professional to do it right.

 

[Mechsmith]

It was an epoxy of some sort. Originally it was vulcanized in but they said that they used a special kit for it. I suspect that any prop shop (a pretty common establishment in the shallow water regions) would know more than I.

 

[donld2003]

Thanks again. Will look twixt Riverside and San Diego for a prop shop--the idea of my own quick fix suddenly letting go while I'm out in the big water is a bit daunting. As it was, we had a couple of antsy moments last week sailing into Mission Bay sans power.

 

[Mechsmith]

I understand. I spent two days in the north end of Matanzas Pass waiting for the wind to come around so that I could sail to within paddle distance. Fishing and sleeping is also part of sailboating.

 

[Capt Len]

If you mix 2 part epoxy (i used cold cure) without enough hardener you get slightly flexible stuff. Cleaning the old stuff out is easy but alignment and sealing while pouring isn't. (two stages.) Ratio of 1 to 2 is by experiment.

 

[donld2003]

Thanks again to all who replied. I did find a shop in San Diego that said they MIGHT be able to fix my prop for $50-85, but I located a new (old stock) prop for the motor on eBay for $40. It was a really tough decision, but in the end I elected to go with the new prop.