Picked up my Hallett 240 from getting annual service, launched at night, then had it out on the water and in a slip all weekend. After pulling it out of the water, I noticed my prop and lower half of the drive (from the bulb down) appear to have been painted. I was able to take my fingernail and scratch off what looks like fresh paint from the drive. I looked back at pictures from a month ago (before taking to the shop and when I just purchased it), and my prop was polished and shiny. I also noticed my top speed was mid 50's, when past trips would hit mid 60's. Depending on # passengers, amount of fuel, and water conditions, it's hard to tell if my top speed is different because of somehow the prop was damaged and repaired or just the conditions were different. It sucks because I don't want to accuse the shop of anything if I don't know for sure.. so here is my question:
1) Besides what looks like silver paint, when examined by hand, the prop shape doesn't seem to be visibly damaged. If damaged and repaired, I assume this can affect my top speed?
2) Is it possible that prior owner painted clear, and now with heat and running the boat, the clear is starting to oxidize?
3) Or are there any cases where a stainless steel prop would oxidize (lose it's shiny polished fininsh) from normal wear?
Again, I hate the accuse the shop of a cover up, but something just doesn't feel right.. any thoughts on this... I have a before pic, but didn't take after pic this weekend, now I am back in California. Will post before and after once I get some fresh pics.
1) Besides what looks like silver paint, when examined by hand, the prop shape doesn't seem to be visibly damaged. If damaged and repaired, I assume this can affect my top speed?
2) Is it possible that prior owner painted clear, and now with heat and running the boat, the clear is starting to oxidize?
3) Or are there any cases where a stainless steel prop would oxidize (lose it's shiny polished fininsh) from normal wear?
Again, I hate the accuse the shop of a cover up, but something just doesn't feel right.. any thoughts on this... I have a before pic, but didn't take after pic this weekend, now I am back in California. Will post before and after once I get some fresh pics.