I've got a set of Hydro's that are likely the original set that came with the boat back in 1986.

Over time, the inner splines have worn to where they aren't as snug as they should be. They perform well otherwise.

Is there anything a good prop shop can do to breathe new life into them? Or is it time to replace?

Thanks,
Brian

If these are the standard welded in solid hub new hubs can be welded in. The old ones have to be removed by machining the old weld out, the old hub removed, and the new hub welded in.

You could also have a rubber bushing, instead of the solid hub, installed in the prop after the old hub is removed, if you wanted.

Matt

Thanks Matt,

They are solid hubs, but "welded in?" I can't tell.

I understand where a rubber hub could add a safety factor to my drive gearing and shafts, but is there any downside to using them? Slippage? Performance hit?

Thanks,
Brian

The rubber hubs can only handle horsepower in the mid to high 300 range. It also depends on the weight of the boat, water conditions you boat in and the pitch of the prop. Of course the advantage with the rubber hub is if you hit something really hard with the prop the rubber will slip and prevent major damage to the outdrive.

Needless to say you wouldn't want to use a rubber bushing in a racing application. The loads placed on a prop in racing are too much for a rubber hub to take on an I/O application.

The weld should be around the hub on the forward end of the prop.

Matt