How to fit a prop guard ???

[Splash gordon]

I have recently brought a prop guard online which didnt come with installation instructions.
It also appears to require modifications to the prop shaft fin in order to facilitate fixing holes.
Im dubious about this as ive never drilled a caseing before and even if i do drill it and it goes well i would want to ensure the freshly exposed metal within the hole was protected from corrosion.
If anyone else has fitted similar or has any sage advice id be glad to hear it.
I will attach 2 photos of mine.
The third photo with the fixings is one i found online that i think just happens to be the same type of engine as mine.

[Poly]

They usually require you to drill the anti-ventilation plate. The plate will be aluminium so corrosion won't be major unless the bolts are dissimilar metals. Why do you want a propguard though? most people who have used a boat with one hate it.

[Splash gordon]

Yeah I know where you are coming from.
I have been on a boat that has practically lost a prop and have always used them since so i'm kinda used to them.
Im not going to be racing anyone anytime soon and this is the first boat I have brought myself, the engine is practically brand spankers so id like to keep it in good nick and it would be a shame to ruin it !

[jeffstevens763@g]

Last thing id do drill a brand spankers engine not what thier cracked up to be better to use shallow drive and chartplotter combo and the old eyeballs OMO of course

[InlandAlex]

I have limited personal experience with prop guards, however someone I know once fitted one to their engine, as they were using it as a sailing support vessel and their club required it at the time (quite a while ago). Since then, the RYA changed their guidance so he removed it. When the time came to upgrade his engine, he found that the resulting holes brought down his resale value quite a bit.

From what I understand, the plastic prop guards won’t protect the prop as much as they will protect something in the water. (I.e. they’ll help protect a swimmer in the water but they won’t do much if you hit a large rock in shallow water)

It is therefore my opinion that if your main aim is to protect your new engine, don’t fit one and just be extra careful in shallow water. However, if you are often operating with swimmers then it may be worth it.

At the end of the day it’s your decision, however just be sure of your choice, as there’s no going back once you’ve drilled the holes. Make sure you get them in the right place first time otherwise you’re looking at replacing the lower leg.

[Striker]

To be honest I’d rather carry a spare prop. The amount of drag these things create is not to be underestimated. That also results in significant increases in fuel consumption. These are really meant to protect people in the water from the prop rather than the prop from obstacles.

[Poly]

I’d agree with striker. If your aim is to protect the prop from hitting solid objects you may not achieve what you want. A spare prop will provide contingency. It’s easy to damage a prop, but serious damage probably means doing it at speed - you still risk damaging the leg if you try hard enough.

If you are new to high sprees boats training would be wise. Even around swimmers, skiers, sailers etc I would argue training is a better precaution than guards - although if you can’t train the people in the water (eg the general public) it may still be the trade off. For solid obstructions unless using in exceptionally shallow water the same applies!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Splash gordon

..........or has any sage advice id be glad to hear it.

Don’t

[jeffstevens763@g]

we put one on at work client asked for it 10 mins in picked a stick up prop and guard mangled.

[Splash gordon]

Update im not going to fit it.
Thanks for the advice folks
Splash