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I was coming out of channel in St. Marks Sunday and motor was running fine like normal. got a little ways out and and gave it more gas and the mercury optimax 90hp just rev'd up. When in gear and given throttle, the prop does not turn. When engines off and in gear, prop can be turned with hand and there is a consistent click when i spin it. Help??

Sounds like you spun your prop. The splines in your prop are most likely stripped out or if it has a hub insert it could have come apart. Take your prop off and check.

I will Do that shortly and will reply tomorrow. I was told it could be lower unit is toast. Hope its not that major.

Either you have spun your prop, grinded the lower unit gears to nothing, or broken or bent your gear shift rod to your lower unit. Two are cheap fixes, one is not.

The shifter rod splines at the top of the shift rod shaft may have stripped out the mating splines at the end of the motor drive shaft.
Either way you have to pull the foot to inspect the rod splines.
A inspection camera may be needed to see the drive shaft splines.

YOU PROBABLY HAVE SPUN THE BUSHING INSIDE THE PROP, THIS CAN BE REPAIRED WITHOUT TOO MUCH EXPENSE. TAKE IT TO PORTERS, HE CAN FIX IT.
PA
SEMPER FI

Could be a spin Hub, but how would it happen while underway. I've spun 2 hubs and both came when trying to get on plain in too shallow water. I've never heard of a hub spinning while on plane. Certainly I could be wrong. And I hope I am as a spun hub is the cheapest, easiest fix. Good luck

Salty Gator wrote:Could be a spin Hub, but how would it happen while underway. I've spun 2 hubs and both came when trying to get on plain in too shallow water. I've never heard of a hub spinning while on plane. Certainly I could be wrong. And I hope I am as a spun hub is the cheapest, easiest fix. Good luck

I spun one on plane once! I was trying a different prop on that sterling and I'm assuming it was too much prop but after about 10-15 minutes on plane she busted lose on me and that was it. it was the pressed in hub too not the flo torq.

When the drive is in forward gear the prop should ratchet one way (clockwise) and lock in place the other way (counter clockwise). If it is "hard to turn" it may be slipping. It should lock in place. Try marking the prop at the hub and see if it is slipping.

Sounds like a spun (loose) hub on your prop. Put your spare on and see if it does the same thing. I know you have a spare because everyone that uses a boat in Apalachee Bay has a spare onboard.

Bring it by Tracker service at the Tallahassee Bass Pro Shops and see Ben they can take care of you.

Well, I appreciate the replies. I've always fished, but this is my first boat purchase so maintenance is all on me. and i have a learning curve ive got to handle first.

but to clarify, i wasn't on plane yet. I was just coming out of channel by light house at St. Marks and gave it throttle and that's when it happened.

I took it to repair shop near my area (Valdosta, Ga) and he immediately knew it was just a spun prop. Way cheaper fix, about 1,000 less than i was expecting. Happy day. But its at shop now, supposed to be ready by 4/18, which is the weekend tax season ends. headed down to Keaton that week for a few days.

repair shop noticed that the prop was spinning around the rod that holds it in place and knew exactly what it was. I just decided to spend a little extra and am getting a full service done to it to get ready for this fishing season. And also wiring up a new Lowrance Elite 5 GPS/fish finder as well.
Another Question, there are a few spots that i have brushed and clean and just will not come up. Whats a cleaner that works on removing fuel stains, grime etc. ?

The boat is a 18.5 2001 Sea Chaser with 90 Mercury Optimax saltwater.

Good to hear the fix was relatively inexpensive. There are a lot of experienced salts on here and you'll get some good advice generally.

Heath wrote: Another Question, there are a few spots that i have brushed and clean and just will not come up. Whats a cleaner that works on removing fuel stains, grime etc. ?

The boat is a 18.5 2001 Sea Chaser with 90 Mercury Optimax saltwater.

West Marine sells a thick liquid product called Fiberglass Stain Remover. You can also use Sno Bowl toilet bowl cleaner. Both contain a form of acid so wear rubber gloves and eye protection when you apply. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse off and re-wax the area to protect the gel coat. It may not remove every stain, but it'll come close. You might have to try a couple applications on really stubborn stains.

Welcome to the boating club. Keep your checkbook or credit card handy!

silverking wrote:Good to hear the fix was relatively inexpensive. There are a lot of experienced salts on here and you'll get some good advice generally.

Heath wrote: Another Question, there are a few spots that i have brushed and clean and just will not come up. Whats a cleaner that works on removing fuel stains, grime etc. ?

The boat is a 18.5 2001 Sea Chaser with 90 Mercury Optimax saltwater.

West Marine sells a thick liquid product called Fiberglass Stain Remover. You can also use Sno Bowl toilet bowl cleaner. Both contain a form of acid so wear rubber gloves and eye protection when you apply. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse off and re-wax the area to protect the gel coat. It may not remove every stain, but it'll come close. You might have to try a couple applications on really stubborn stains.

Welcome to the boating club. Keep your checkbook or credit card handy!

Notice, if you use Sno Bowl cleaner DO NOT get it on your aluminum trailer.

Bar Keeper's Friend is your cleaning friend around the boat. You can find it at the grocery store & is cheaper than the specialty boat stuff. Cleans your shower doors in the house with ease as well. It comes in a spray bottle or powder. It cleans with oxalic acid which is a mild acid. Just leave it on a few minutes, scrub & then wash off well with soap & water.