Prop question??

[Themacdadt]

I have a 06 optimax 75 dfi. I noticed the prop has a little play fore and aft, and up and down. Flo torque iii design. Is this normal? Mixed feelings from reading other posts. Just would like a simple yes this is normal or no this is not.
Thanks. Also can I use a regular spline prop. Or must I use flo torque iii ?

[Bryden24shp]

Yes, there should be a little preset propshaft movement and yes, you can switch to splined hub, you'll need to buy the correct thrust washers for it.

[Themacdadt]

Ok thanks, to be clear the shaft has no play. But the prop has play on the shaft right?

[Bryden24shp]

Sorry for the wait to reply... Usually there is alittle play in the prop shaft. It has a pre-set amount of lash in it to compensate for heat expansion. The prop should fit on the shaft snug. I have Flo-Torques and regular splined props I run. None have slop around on the prop shaft. How tight is your castle nut?

[abypfcs]

I have never given it a thought, figuring that the manufacturer would know what prop works best on their motor. Of course, when you consider that motor could be on many different types of boats, that would probably make it an issue. You would think though that the boat manufacturer would make those studies and have the proper prop on the boat in the first place.

I have a 2014 18' Bennington fishing model, with a 60 HP Yamaha. Top speed is approx 18 MPH. I know I am not going to set any speed records, but would like to have the best prop possible. Not even sure what the specs of my prop are.

[Bamaman]

I have never given it a thought, figuring that the manufacturer would know what prop works best on their motor. Of course, when you consider that motor could be on many different types of boats, that would probably make it an issue. You would think though that the boat manufacturer would make those studies and have the proper prop on the boat in the first place.

I have a 2014 18' Bennington fishing model, with a 60 HP Yamaha. Top speed is approx 18 MPH. I know I am not going to set any speed records, but would like to have the best prop possible. Not even sure what the specs of my prop are.

Bennington's owner's website has a section on propellers. The factory also suggest to dealers the correct size propeller for most uses. If you call Bennington's Customer Service Department, they can tell you the most common propeller used on your boat.

Dealer setup also is a factor in your boat's performance. My 24SSLX with the Yamaha F150 and Reliance 15 pitch prop is sitting up 3/4" or one notch above the lowest mounting point. 6000 rpms and 40 mph is the optimum speed of my boat, and that's exactly what I'm experiencing when trimming the motor up highly. If the dealer had put my motor all the way down and put a 14 pitch prop on it, I'd seeing maybe 36 mph and redlining at 6300 rpms on the rev limiter. Nice to have an experienced setup mechanic.