Propeller Replacement

[angeli]

Hi,

We have an existing Azimut 55 with propellers that needs replacement. I need your opinion if it is okay to change the propellers with another brand or if we should go for the same brand as what is installed. What should be done to ensure that the props don't end this way?

Thank you.

[fstbttms]

Dosen't look like anything a wire brush and some elbow grease wouldn't take care of.

[Badsanta]

I would think that as long as they are the right size and correct pitch it would not matter who you got them from. But my prop all ways look like that or worse between cleaning.

[Rex Delay]

Shaft size, diameter and pitch are all that matter. Take it off and clean it up. If pinkish in color, electrolisis has set in.

[angeli]

The captain has confirmed it is pinkish in color. So does that mean, we have to replace with new props? Thanks.

[fstbttms]

"Pinkish in color" is indicative of dezincification. What this means is that some of the zinc component of the bronze that the prop is made of has been lost, the result being that the metal is now somewhat more brittle than it was previously. But unless the prop is damaged and cannot be repaired (which does not look to be the case, if the picture is recent) there is no particular reason to replace it.

Clean it, make sure it is properly protected by zinc anodes and you should be good to go.

[GordMay]

Dezincification is essentially a fatal disease (bronze disease), for which there is no cure; and, if continued, will ultimately result in propeller failure.
Take the propeller to a prop' shop for evaluation, and likely replacement.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Take the propeller to a prop' shop for evaluation, and likely replacement.

Completely dependant on the level of dezincifcation, IMHO. There's pink, and then there's PINK.