prop blades cracking on tip
 

hi all
i got a zr38 with twin 525s on bravo1 xr its 1.5 ratio
i pulled the props off to grease the splines and i noticed that on the leading edge there are 1-2 small hairling cracks (biggest is about 1cm long) in each blade going towards the root of the prop, but they dont go all the way through to the other side
props are maximus 15 1/4 x 34

does anyone know why this would be happening?
thanks

I would bet the props are labbed/thin, that in combination with a high X will load and unload the props, they fatigue and crack. I have had a 1/4" crack welded in a bravo prop with success, although a lot of the time they will crack next to the welds. You may be farther ahead to buy some new props. If it helps I have a Merc labbed 32 maximus LH for sale.

I check my props after every run, it is not worth slinging a blade and damaging your lower.

Just what JRider said, same thing about mine. 32P Maximus cracking on starboard. After so many years and a high-X it's bound to happen.

Guys -- I'm not a mechanic and don't have a lot of experience with this high performance stuff- but in regards to these "higher performance" engines/outdrive and props- do you ever ask if the prop has had been FPI tested -- This is a fancy term - Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection or Eddy Current testing? This will detect cracks in the metal

thoughts??

3pointstar

I send mine to BBlades and he tells me good or throw away

High X dimension with surface piercing props will cause this over time.

I had a small crack in one of my BBlades Bravo props. Sent it in and BBlades repaired it like new.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/p...-question.html

NOW this is a crack! :)

Looks like the other blade was about to come off also. That prop has had cracks for a while.

Huh? T, what are you seeing that I'm not...
Thanks,
Dean

Bottom blade in the 2nd pic on the trailing edge by the hub