What did you do to your boat today

LaRea

@aero3113 how long does it take you?  Seems like I have to spray mine about 10 times.  Spray, wait a minute, spray, wait ... then eventually I'll start working it with a stainless steel brush.  I think it took over an hour to clean four props.  

YYZRC

I spray on undiluted and rinse off after a couple minutes. Repeat 3x and done. But my props were not nearly as funky as @aero3113

aero3113

@LaRea , I want to say it took about 20-30 minutes per prop. I think if I went stronger with the acid it would go quicker. I didn’t want to stain the stainless too bad.

aero3113

When I’m done I’ll coat them with some wax. Probably doesn’t help at all but makes me happy, LoL.

aero3113

@YYZRC , usually when I’m in the water I’ll scrub them once or twice a season. Last season I didn’t do that.

Dream_Inn

Looking at those props, another reason I'm glad I am able to keep my boat on a lift.  I just use a little flitz metal polish each year to shine it up.

aero3113

Dream_Inn said:

Looking at those props, another reason I'm glad I am able to keep my boat on a lift.  I just use a little flitz metal polish each year to shine it up.

Thanks for rubbing it in @Dream_Inn

MarkB

YYZRC said:

I spray on undiluted and rinse off after a couple minutes. Repeat 3x and done. But my props were not nearly as funky as @aero3113

I suppose the vanilla software push hasn't happened yet, because I see a bunch of spaces after this message.

Dream_Inn

aero3113 said:

Dream_Inn said:

Looking at those props, another reason I'm glad I am able to keep my boat on a lift.  I just use a little flitz metal polish each year to shine it up.

Thanks for rubbing it in @Dream_Inn

Sorry.  It's just the time of year that I really enjoy getting on the boat, removing cover, installing plug and...having a drink while everyone else is waxing everything.  I do think I may need to change out my anodes this year.  It's been 5 or 6 years at least.  I remember those days though of painting the bottom and all that cleaning with my first boat.  I'm just getting too old for that crap!   Unfortunately, if my plans come true, my next boat will again need all that done.  Maybe by then, I'll be old, but possibly smart enough (and have enough $, although I'm too cheap) to pay someone to do it.

aero3113

Done!

oscar1

It looks great, I am trying to persuade the admiral to replace my 3 blade prop to 4x4 prop from hill marine, but I lost some of my battle after my hardtop project. Anyway I am confident she will provide me with (4x4) Christmas present this year. I hope.

YYZRC

You will love them almost as much as the hardtop!

oscar1

Thx

oscar1

Do you new 4x4 prop are cup or not?

rasbury

Plug in the boat? Check. 9mm at the helm? Check. Ready to launch...

YYZRC

oscar1 said:

Do you new 4x4 prop are cup or not?

Not sure what you mean @oscar1 - @aero3113 any idea?

aero3113

@YYZRC I think he’s asking if the blades are cupped. I believe they are.

YYZRC

Yes for sure they are!

oscar1

Yes, I was meaning if the  blades are cupped.

oscar1

I have bravo III 4x3 HR 21P mercury prop, so I am wonder if the 4x4 hill prop will make any difference for my boat, because it will only add a blade to the aft prop. Any opinion will be appreciated

Ian

Only in fresh so while my props tarnish, they are not that bad. Quick spray, wait a few and hose off.

SimcoeRinker400

On my list of things to do is clean the props!! Touch up Some bottom paint and wax the hull   But we are still a few weeks out to getting in the water.  

raybo3

I know I am in the minority but what is the big deal with buffing and polishing your props? Mine get power washed with the rest of the boat. My boat goes in the water at the start of the season and doesn't come out until the end of the season. It doesn't make any difference with performance so who really gives a rats a$$ that its shiny, the fish??? Just say'n

aero3113

I don’t think a power was would’ve got my props clean…

YYZRC

oscar1 said:

I have bravo III 4x3 HR 21P mercury prop, so I am wonder if the 4x4 hill prop will make any difference for my boat, because it will only add a blade to the aft prop. Any opinion will be appreciated

I would call Hill Marine. Lots of people here say they are very knowledgeable. I didn’t have to call because I just follow @aero3113 ‘s lead. 

LaRea

If the props have barnacles or heavy fouling, that's a huge performance-killer.  If the fouling is just surface scaling ... well, cleaning them will probably save a few gallons of fuel over the season.  I've never done a direct before-and-after comparo.  

YYZRC

A clean car is faster so no doubt a clean prop is faster, too. 

GMSLITHO

I haven't washed my truck in 2 months no wonder my milage sucks 

aero3113

YYZRC said:

oscar1 said:

I have bravo III 4x3 HR 21P mercury prop, so I am wonder if the 4x4 hill prop will make any difference for my boat, because it will only add a blade to the aft prop. Any opinion will be appreciated

I would call Hill Marine. Lots of people here say they are very knowledgeable. I didn’t have to call because I just follow @aero3113 ‘s lead. 

LoL!

Grahamu

My props are fine after power washing, there are so many variables, wind-current-waves-etc, that effect speed I doubt you can measure the difference clean or polished.