Prop Nut Torque

[g33b0]

Is there a specific torque for tightening prop nut.....I hear people say tight but not too tight...... Well my tight might not be the same as your tight........ Another question, My prop was recently stolen..... Is there any type of lock for props to at least deter thieves...... Or am i going to have to take my prop off every time we come home from the lake

[AirTool]

IIRC, the torque for shaft (1 1/8?) is 30 ft-lbs.

This is not much torque for a large nut. That is about twice that of the oil drain plug on your auto.

I've read where people block the prop with 2x4 and tighten it like a head bolt....that's not required or good.

If you want to be precise, block it and use a torque wrench.

I ran a test one time torque wrench vs large crescent in right hand and holding the prop with my left hand using a leather glove. With the crescent, I was hitting 25 to 35 every time. I could also take the nut off w/o a block by reversing the procedure. I'm a fairly strong guy but not a body builder or pro athlete. But it is not really about how strong you are its about knowing your strength.

Further: in any case, you may way to come back and check it after one trip.

[Zach@n3]

If you over torque it makes it a royal PITA to get off the taper. Block heads that over tighten things really grind my gears. Acme recommends 35 Ft/Lbs. I take a wrench and put the box end on the nut and let it lay against the prop guard. I grab the prop with two hands and tighten it as tight I can get it by rotating it backwards. Works out to be right about perfect. Always comes off when needed and never had an issue with the nut backing off. You always want to verify the condition of the Nylock is good before you re use the nut. Castle nuts are self explanatory. Another good thing to do is properly lap a propeller to the boat drive shaft. If the prop stays seated properly and is easily removable the taper is probably fine but if you have issues getting it off the taper or it not wanting to stay seated on the shaft then you might need to lap that bad boy for proper fitment.

[seth]

That sucks that somebody stole your prop! They must have known what they were doing because they can be a pain to get off. Where was your boat when it was stolen?

[Zach@n3]

Acme has a piece called a Freshwater Nut. It is shaped like a bullet. It has a pop nut and a Jamb nut inside. You screw the cover over the end of the shaft until it's tight and then use an allen head set screw to hold it in place. They might not be expecting you to have this setup so they may not be carrying a allen head tool to remove the nut. We run one on Mark's barefooter for aesthetic value.