amxr39
Senior Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2020
- Messages
- 191
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- Allegro
- Vessel Make
- Helmsman 38E Hull #61
My 2024 Helmsman 38E prop had PropSpeed applied at the factory. It was applied to the prop, rudder and the rear part of the keel. Unfortunately, the PropSpeed did not adhere properly to my prop, as the photo shows. Talking to a few prop shops, they said proper preparation of the prop surface is imperative if the PropSpeed is going to adhere.
I was unable to remove my prop easily, so I hired a mechanic to do it. I tried removing the remaining PropSpeed. Wow, the areas it’s prepped properly, it doesn’t want to come off.
Being I noticed an unusual driveline vibration when at higher rpm when testing my engine, I took my prop to a reputable prop shop in New Hampshire to be glass beaded to clean the remaining PropSpeed. And I had him test the prop for balance. This included first testing each blade profile in comparison to the other blades. The prop tested
as category S. That’s the best it can be.
Next came static balance which indicated an obvious imbalance. Next was the dynamic test. This imbalance was about 15 times the maximum allowable imbalance.
Mine is a ZF prop. My prop shop was the largest East Coast distributor of their props until a few years ago. He said he’s seen many props like mine that were way out of balance.
So, fellow Helmsman owners, when your boat is hauled, be sure to check your PropSpeed, and give serious consideration to pulling your prop and having its balance checked out. It could increase cutlass bearing life and improve overall performance.
I was unable to remove my prop easily, so I hired a mechanic to do it. I tried removing the remaining PropSpeed. Wow, the areas it’s prepped properly, it doesn’t want to come off.
Being I noticed an unusual driveline vibration when at higher rpm when testing my engine, I took my prop to a reputable prop shop in New Hampshire to be glass beaded to clean the remaining PropSpeed. And I had him test the prop for balance. This included first testing each blade profile in comparison to the other blades. The prop tested
Next came static balance which indicated an obvious imbalance. Next was the dynamic test. This imbalance was about 15 times the maximum allowable imbalance.
Mine is a ZF prop. My prop shop was the largest East Coast distributor of their props until a few years ago. He said he’s seen many props like mine that were way out of balance.
So, fellow Helmsman owners, when your boat is hauled, be sure to check your PropSpeed, and give serious consideration to pulling your prop and having its balance checked out. It could increase cutlass bearing life and improve overall performance.
