HPBCANADA.COM

I found this site that says you can drill Merc hubs to fit your OMC. I have an '89 Johnson 150 VRO. So I tried it. I picked up a Precision Turbo 14.25 x 26 off eBay. Great shape, great price but turns out its a Merc hub. Also turns out the hub needs to be replaced since it's off centre. I don't care it was worth the gamble. Here's the link.

http://2strokeonly.com/site/mobile?url= ... .html#2965

So I drilled out the hub with a 1" hole saw and lots of lube. Then used a 3/4"x1" drum on a long arbor to clean up the remnants of the splines. It seems to have worked out well. Although I need a new thrust washer for a stainless prop to truly test the fit.

Any thoughts?
I expect to hear, "just buy an OMC prop!"

The reason why this intrigues me is the fact that there are so many Merc props available.

Also, is it possible to re-hub a Merc prop with an OMC hub? If so where can I get this done? I'm in Niagara Falls but I travel between N.F. And Whitby and Haliburton so I'm pretty flexible with locations.

Thanks. Can't wait to see what this stirs up.

Billy V.

Lots of guys do exactly what you did for the very same reason...merc makes good props.

I'm sure you could have an OMC hub put in when you rehub it...especially if the prop can be bought both ways.

I did that to my chopper I bought off dok. Took about 10 min after I welded up a extra long hole saw.

Worked great. One thing to try is putting the blades on the grass so they don't spin.

Also had to open up the center of the prop at the end a bit. My lower has a slightly fatter shaft than most. A little tweaking and it slides on and off - no problem.

I'm no expert on any of the larger boats/props, but i know you can fairly easily install an omc rubber hub in place of a merc rubber hub.
If it's a solid hub, then ya, to the Machine shop it goes!

Where is a good place to get a prop rehubbed? I'm in need of a new hub. Is it as easy as press out and press in with some RTV? I hear you need at least a 6 ton press but how do you assure it's centred? I have access to a 20 ton press and someone who knows how to use it.

Kawartha prop repair...send it out...buy the time you find/buy a proper hub you'll be at the cost of the whole repair.

If there's a prop shop local to you use them...its a pretty standard job.

I sent my Hoss into Kawartha for a tune up and new hub. They did a great job - they ended up drilling the splines on the new hub as well.

Monto Reno Marina in LeFroy, Ont. (By Orillia) will do prop repairs and rehubs. I know the owner Wilson Forbes. Give him a call if your in the area.

Wilson and Art jr are two of the finest people in the marine business...lots of respect for those guys.