Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

So I've got a BRAND new boat and am having a problem. The prop keeps "busting loose" like a spun prop issue, but it has happened with both the original aluminum prop and a stainless prop. I've logged everything and done research and believe I know what's causing it, but not sure how to fix it.

The times it has happened, there has been floating debris on the water surface. If I back up a ways, it will "hook up" like it is supposed to and be fine until I hit the next patch. It's happened in both salt and fresh water, calm and smooth days, and loaded heavy or light.

What can I do to solve it? I can't avoid these areas and the stuff is everywhere. With 400 boats on the water with no problems, why does mine have an issue? I can't exactly stop in a busy channel and backup or I'm going to get run over!

I know you guys know your stuff, so Please HELP!

Sounds like prop blowout? Are you turning when it happens? You may need to lower your engine a bit?

Not turning. Once is busts loose (high RPM's), it will not get right until you backup and then go forward again. There is only one bolt hole (about an inch) that the motor could be dropped. I don't believe it's a motor issue or spun prop. I've even moved all the weight (people) to the back - no difference. When it does it, that's it. I really believe it's the floating debris. Since the pontoon has nothing in the middle like a V-hull, the motor is the first thing that hits it.

What rpm's was it running during this and maybe its a bad prop, have you tried a new prop..

As stated at the top - two different props, original aluminum and a new stainless - same issue with either then the conditions are floating debris on the water.

Prop size???

15 inch x15 degree aluminum and 14 inch x19 degree stainless ( was loaded down, but couldn't get near the WOT RPM range on the single test of this one) both 3 blade props.

your saying floating debris. Do you mean grass , weeds, lillies and that kinda stuff? Mine won't run through a patch of lillies anyway and probably most toons arent

Unfortunately most boats cant run through thick weeds without this happening..weeds wrap around the prop disrupting water flow and creating air pockets which cause the prop to ventilate and lose its bite....and its typically worse on pontoons as there is no boat directly in front of the engine to push the weeds away like a V-bottom style boat. If its all floating debris on the surface that you are dealing with then its possible that lowering the engine may help a bit...but...if there is vegetation under the water you will still have this issue.

It's floating stuff, not a patch of lilly's or bottom grass. Would a different prop help? Like I said, this is a busy place that I was riding and you don't want to "stop and backup". All the other boats are running thru there OK.

I'm quite sure you are not the only one having issues with it..some boats are just more prone to having this problem(usually pontoons and boats with smaller engines)..If its floating sea grass i would try lowering the engine as low as it will go to get the prop away from the grass....i do not know of any props for pontoons that will help here. I would stick with the standard stainless and that'll be as good as it will get prop wise but you probably wont see much difference...also the faster you go through it the better it will be....Try to avoid it as best as you can and keep an eye on your temp or water psi gauge(if equipped) because the weeds can just as easily cover your water intakes and overheat the engine.

Can you say prop guard, works on mine to keep the weeds away from the prop.

http://www.propguard.net/

Looks interesting. There has to be something that will prevent it. The debris I'm talking about is not thick and doesn't really get wrapped up around the prop or cause heating issues, but it's everywhere and impossible to avoid.

What's the price range of PropGuard?

Boat manufacturer is sending me a plate of some sort that I'm going to try, but wish I knew this was a common issue before I bought a pontoon. Making me second guess my decision. Hopefully I can get it resolved.

I had the same thing happening on mine. The dealer dropped the motor down as far as it will go now and it solved the problem. I does still happen in a blue moon. Get the speed up and all the sudden the prop sounds like it is slipping. Slow down the speed and it catches again.
I would try to lower your motor and see if that fixes your problem.

going from a 15 pitch to a 19 pitch is a HUGE change.
i would try used loaner props changing one degree at a time.
it took me a long time to find the right prop, but it made
a gigantic difference. i used to blow out like you all the time.