Boat Propellers, Custom Props,
Boat Propeller Repairs, Prop Reconditioning

Monday 8am-4pm
Tuesday-Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday 8am-12pm
Closed Sunday

What is a balanced and blueprinted prop?

At Steve’s Custom Props balance and blueprinting is offered on most bass boat propellers, including our new et cut choppers.
A balanced and blueprinted prop offers better hole shots and a reduction in vibrations, as well as increased fuel economy and enhanced top end performance. Most new propellers manufactured today are not close enough in pitch tolerances, nor are they perfectly balanced and polished.
At Steve’s Custom Props your prop is placed on a pitch block and all blades are made to fit exactly in pitch and rake, then they are checked for accuracy on the pitch gauges. Then the propeller is perfectly balanced, and the leading edges thinned slightly for increased performance.
Then the propeller is finished in a very high polished finish.
Prices vary per application, give us a call for a price quote.

How do I adjust the prop shaft engine height?

1.) Level the boat. Place a level under the pad of the boat. Adjust the trailer jack up or down till boat is level
2.) Level the motor. Place the level on the cavitation's plate, and trim the engine down till it's level
3.) Measure from the ground to the pad, Write the measurement down
4.) Measure from the ground to the center of prop shaft, Write it down.
5.) Deduct the two measurements. You want the prop shaft 3 1/2" below the pad of the boat.
6.) Adjust the jack plate up or down, paying close attention the water pressure and max. engine rpms.
7.) On lighter hulls with low water pickups, running at a neutral trim angle is best. To find the neutral trim angle, simple turn the ignition key on when you have set the engine at level. The needle will be pointing to a neutral position. If needed mark the trim gauge for future reference.

How do I determine pitch?

The propeller is the final link in a boat's power train. Its job is to take the torque created by a marine engine and convert this torque to forward movement. A propeller is designed to control the engine's RPM and hold it at wide open throttle to the recommended RPM range specified by the manufacturer of a motor.
The power curve is the RPM range where the motor is developing its maximum horsepower and efficiently. If the motor revs beyond this point, it is over revving, and if the motor is not able to reach this point it is loaded down, which could have damaging effects in the internal components of the engine, as well as allow the engine to use fuel excessively. Either way, this causes poor performance and unnecessary wear and strain of the drive train.
Propeller pitch is speed, however there are also several other factors which allow a boat to perform to it's potential. Such as, pitch progression, rake, and cupping. Also the gear ratio of the lower unit is also extremely important to a boats potential for speed.

Why composite hubs systems?

Composite hubs are engineered to provide fail safe points. This provides more cushion when shifting and the hub is engineered to fail before any drive train damage occurs.
Composite hubs are field replaceable. Just knock out the old sleeve and put in a new one. No technical skills or tools are needed.
Composite hubs allow you to limp home after impact and your drive train has a much better chance of survival without any internal damage.
Composite hubs are engineered to withstand high temperatures and will not degrade when exposed to high exhaust temperatures, this is a common problem with rubber hubs on high horsepower engines.
Composite hub propellers are extremely versatile. Replacements are made for all engine types. By simply replacing the thrust washer and driver adapter, you can install the same propeller on virtually any engine.
Rubber hub propellers are limited to one specific application. Replacements for rubber hubs are much more expensive than the composite hub systems and must be installed by a professional.
We carry a full line of replacement hub components.

What is chine walking?

Pad shape and design have a lot to do with how a boat chine walks. But remember, pad shape and design also have a lot to do with how fast a boat runs.
The more V a pad has, the faster it usually is because there is less boat in the water and thus less surface friction. With that in mind, it's also easier for the torque of the prop to roll the boat off the dead center of the pad and start the chine walking process.
We often hear the term, "Drive the Boat" with regard to chine walking without much explanation as to what that is.
This is not gospel, but it's what I think of when I hear the term "Drive the Boat". There is a balance between motor height with the jackplate, trim of the motor, and how the driver handles the steering wheel. Steering to me is one of the big tricks. You will start to learn your boat and its setup and as you learn you will know when the boat is about to start chine walking. As you see in the diagram, the rotation of the prop pulls the boat to the right, the key with steering is to counter the rotation with small steering wheel twitches to the left before the chine walking starts. All of these things together are kind of like riding a wheelie on a bike.
(Click on the illustration shown above to enlarge)

Customer Comment:
Just a note to say thanks for the prop work on my tempest plus. I finally have the boat I thought I bought.(TR21) I got it to the lake today for a test run. I never knew what people were talking about when they said they had chine walk on a triton. Believe me I do now. I took your advise and raised the prop shaft to 2-1/2" and went from 65mph to 74mph top speed. It might even have gone faster if I stayed on the throttle longer but I can see I need to relearn to drive my boat. The hole shot is also waaaay better than before you did the work. I have already recommended you to about everyone I know that owns a boat.
Thanks again for the great work,
Norman Glenn
 

What is a custom propeller?

At Steve’s Custom Props, propellers are modified to perform in rpm’s, for what the customer is attempting to obtain.

Pitch changes and or progression changes are made to obtain exact top end rpm’s per application.
Rake angles can also be changed to obtain higher bow lift.
Leading edges can be modified for better hole shots.
Blade sharpening can also be done to help with an increase in rpms and higher top end mph.
All blades are matched exactly in pitch, progression, and rake angles.
All blades are highly polished after they are balanced to perfection.
Exhaust ports can be expanded or welded to obtain the correct amount of exhaust ventilation per application.
See custom worksheet for information needed to have your prop “customized”
Call for pricing: 903-763-0200

For Your Prop Requests:

Click here for work sheet
Simply print the page and fill in the requested info and bring it into the shop or mail it to:
Steve's Custom Props
 3734 West State Highway 154
Yantis, TX 75497
Steve will contact you with the details for your prop including pricing.