Prop Shaft

[SnoC653]

Yes, yes, yes. Again, this is why I like the idea of use using modern machines to make these props.
And just so you digitizing haters know. I can draw a prop from nothing on CAD, I don't need a prop to copy. So if I ever decide to make one for myself, who should I send the royalty check to?

Since nobody has a patent on props, if you design your own, why would you want to send someone a royalty check? As for hydros running shorter shafts that is true of the modern boats. I know the old conventional hydroplanes ran one inch shafts from the engine back to the prop, right between the driver's feet with no guard. Our 280 had a 1" shaft and every boat up to the seven liters I knew of used one inch shafts. I'm not sure what the unlimited ran back in the day, but even at 1 1/8" that is a lot of risk running between the driver's legs. I don't recall ever hearing of a shaft on one failing anywhere other than the prop or the coupler. Shaft whip wasn't the cause of failure.

Bob, how many shafts do you know of that have failed in the middle?