Many Thanks:

[latravcha]

Originally Posted by Gerald

The prop bushing is damaged when the prop hits the bottom or some object. The bushing can "fail" if you get in too shallow of water and the prop is hitting the bottom for a long time.

Every time the prop hits something...... the closer the bushing gets to "spinning". Over time, the bushing weakens and could spin out the next time the prop hits something or maybe while you are just running in open water.

Usually you can tell when there is a bushing problem, because the engine will turn a little higher RPM for the speed you are running. It kind of feels like the engine has lost some power.

When this happens...... slow down. You can usually still run at a fast idle to get back to the boat launch.

I find the props bushings that slip in tend to wear down much faster that the ones that are pressed in. When mine is getting worn i notice the prop chatter in a lot louder than when I have a new bushing in.