Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

The first time we ran this boat after rigging it, the starboard prop was nicked up. Not even 10hrs later, my center prop and stbd prop are all nicked and bent. I just picked the props up yesturday from getting fixed and ran the boat 5 minutes to the marina for gas. when I put the boat back on the lift, the same two props are all messed up again. I have never felt us hit anything. The props are Hydromotives P5-X and the boat is a 01 46ft Cig. w/ triple 600's and XR drives. Am I just that unlucky or could something from the boat cause this? I checked all around the lift for something under water but did not find anything.

Thanks,
Mat

Re: Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

do you keep your boat on a boat lift? Might be worthgetting someone with scuba gear to check around your dock.

Is the damage on leading edge or trailing edge?

Re: Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

Mark,
I checked around the dock myself and there seems to be plenty of water. Nobody else is hitting anything around there. Also, why is the port prop never damaged? Someone said that the props might hit each other on a hard right turn. Is this possible? I am going to check that tomarrow.

Thanks,
Mat

Re: Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

If the nicks are on the trailing edge it most likely happens when backing up. Backing up and turning could get the props closest.

Good luck

Re: Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

This might be a wives tale but, I was told this happens on triples when your drives are trimed up high when turning hard.

Re: Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

I don't think it is a wives tale, I think it is happening to me. I am headed to check it out. Would putting a drive spacer in the center drive help? Tres Martin told me when he worked this boat for the original owner, he put a one inch spacer on the center motor.

Re: Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

If your center drive is higher or lower than the outer drives the tie bars pull them togehter. What diameter are the hydros?

Mike

Re: Why do I keep tearing up props?
 

The center drive is lower. The P5-X's are 30P and they do hit if the stbd drive is lowered and the center is up. I guess that I had better watch those indicators better!