Prop Shop Recommendation AL, MS, LA

[Play'N Hooky Too]

I was planning to do a haul-out in the next couple of weeks. One of the items on my list is getting my starboard prop looked at and repaired. It has a small chunk missing from one of the flukes and probably also needs to be retuned. Does anybody have any recommendations for a good prop shop in south Mississippi, southern Alabama, or the New Orleans area? Most of the ones that turn up in my google search seem to focus more on outboards and ski boats.

Many thanks.
-Alan

 

[Captain Ralph]

I ship my 32" props to Paul at; https://tcpropscan.com/

 

[bigbill]

intercoastal propeller in gulf shores alabama is who i use. 251-968-7767

 

[Play'N Hooky Too]

Thanks for the responses guys. I'll give those guys a call.

 

[Play'N Hooky Too]

So, is it unusual to still be running the original props that came with the boat? Mine have date stamps that indicate that they were manufactured in 1975. The prop shop guy I spoke with seemed quite amused that I was wanting to have him recondition props that were that old. He said he didn't think it was possible, but that if I brought them by, he would certainly look at them.

 

[Phasma2128]

It sounds like he would love to sell you a new set of props. Props should probably be scanned and balanced over the years but as for old age? I’m not sure I believe that. Look at the hubs of your props and see if they are cracked. Look and see if there is any damage anywhere. When I was involved in APBA Offshore racing, the props on the boats were sharp enough to shave with. It avoided cavitation and drag. It was at speeds upwards of 150mph. Im not so sure there would be much of an affect at 10-12 knots. Some of these more experienced owners on here may have better advice.

 

[Play'N Hooky Too]

That is kinda what I'm thinking.
The props look solid, or at least they did as of last fall when I was under there changing the zincs. He kept talking about the amount of hydrolysis that would have occurred over 50 years, but I've noticed no real visible evidence of that. The minor damage to the starboard prop is from one too many times of trying to make a new channel out through Dog Keys Pass, not from electrolytic erosion. But I certainly don't claim to be an expert on this subject.

Thanks for y'alls feed back.
-Alan

 

[Phasma2128]

I suppose there is the thought that hydrolysis can weaken metal over time but unless you can see pitting I’m not sure this would be the case. Once again I recommend asking an expert. Probably have them scanned by a prop shop just for peace of mind. Cheap insurance. Also if you have kept the zincs up to date, the idea that the props have suffered would be suspect. I mean that’s what the zincs are for….

 

[Big Chief]

I believe Jefferson Prop on the west bank from New Orleans is still open, They are an old line repair shop that has been in business for many decades working in the work boat industry. Link: https://jeffersonpropeller.com/

 

[Play'N Hooky Too]

Thanks guys.

 

[bigbill]

years ago i had a problem with jefferson propeller, on my 46c i had the props re worked and they came back looking great, put them on the boat and she would not reach wide open throttle, pulled the props and brought them back. they put an inch too much pitch. they fixed them for no charge but i had to pay for a second haul out. been using intercoastal prop since and have been very happy. that was about 23 years ago