Best prop for '86 Martinique

Hello all,

Just purchased a really nice 86 Martinique bowrider 351PCM, and getting it spruced up for the summer season.

I noted that the propeller has a little damage/rash...doesn't appear to be bad, just some minor to moderate gouging and nicks on the blade edges. Boat still runs out pretty well, except for some very slight vibration at approx. 3K RPMs (which caused me to take a closer look at the prop).

I am considering having the currently installed prop reconditioned, or upgrading to a new prop.

I think that the currently installed prop may be original. Assuming it is the correct size once I confirm it's markings (the boat in in storage, & I didn't note what size it is), I was thinking about sending it to Dan's prop shop in TN (I'm in central AL, and Dan's pretty close by). I figure the R&R is going to run about 130 plus shipping ($150-175 total?).

Alternatively, I've been told that the ACME 542 (13x11.5 RH) is a good fit for this boat; I can get it for $370 including shipping from Delta Prop Co.

Can anyone tell me what this boat should be running, and/or what size/spec/make is best for this boat. Also, any thoughts/recommendations on R&R existing prop (assuming the spec is correct) verses a new prop purchase? I've never run a "re-conditioned" prop before.

thanks in advance...

Jeff Lunceford
Hoover, AL

Agreed.

Some rebuilds are better than others. Depends on the damage, the quality of the prop to begin with, and the skills and equipment of the shop. A good, modern prop that wasn't totally wasted when damaged, can be brought back to essentially new condition by a qualified shop.

A federal hand finished prop does not fall into any category approaching modern or "high performance". If it were in good used condition (not damaged), it would still be worth less than the cost of a rebuild ($100-125). The acme is superior in every way, and worth the cost to upgrade. Keep the old one for a spare and bang it out with a hammer.

Original prop was a 13x13 or 13x12 federal by most accounts. 542 or 912 would be good replacement options.

I got it...good info...thanks for clarifying.

I'll be ordering a 542 in the near future; getting the alignment checked and repacking the shaft floor seal with the Gore-Tex material that I hear is quite good to use.

I will post some pics when I get her up and rolling, but this is the boat that was for sale by Jeff Klinker in Mooresville, NC, up until a few weeks ago when I drove up and purchased it. Here is a little story about this boat that I think is worth mentioning:

This was Jeff K's 3rd or 4th Martinique....it was originally purchased and owned by a family in Iowa. I had talked to Jeff K about one of his prior Martinique's that he was selling about 3 or 4 years ago. This Iowa boat was offered by the original owners son about 3 years ago. It just so happened that when the Iowa boat came on the market, Jeff K and I both simultaneously pursued it, and were alternatingly talking to the owner about it from a distance. Jeff K said that knowing another interested person was in the hunt for the boat, he traveled up, viewed the boat, and pulled the trigger first (the Iowa owner told me that Jeff K, who I recognized as having spoken to several months earlier, was purchasing the boat). Jeff K. had it shipped to NC, where he proceeded to catch up some needed maintenance, as well as performed several improvements, getting it back up to it's current very nice original condition. As fate would have it, I saw the boat again a few months ago when Jeff K decided to part with it. I quickly recognized that it was the same boat (and recognized Jeff K as the current owner) that I tried to buy a few years ago, so I snagged it the second time around.

It's a very nice original condition boat. I am very pleased to have met Jeff K (a knowledgeable CC guy, and very nice fellow) and have the honor of it's current ownership.

I will be in touch and post some pics once I get her all set up and on the water.

Thanks again for the information.