Hi chaps, firstly, I think the prop is simply brass, I work a lot with brass and this item appears to exhibit all the qualities of the stuff. I think, given the amount of imbalance I would have to remove a considerable amount of material from the hub area of the blades to get this prop to statically balance but that would really screw up the hydrodynamic balance which may cause more problems than I already have. I am not nitpicking over this balance thing and am prepared to accept that nothing in this world is perfect but knowing how much importance you fellas place on balance given your own personal experiences, I would like to know I have got it as right as can be. I will try spinning it on the shaft as you described but I know it aint right.
Martn, just to elaborate on the balance theme, I liken the prop to a flywheel, it should be able to come to rest in any position throughout 360 degrees...that would be truly statically balanced. If each of the blades were perfectly symetrical and imparted exactly the same amount of thrust at a given rpm.. they would be exhibiting perfect hydrodynamic balance.
In the real world, I will never achieve either of these perfect goals and certainly have no means of checking the latter.
I will look at it again and see if it can be improved a little more. I suppose I have to take into consideration that this boat will not be receiving the hard graft and continual use your boats get so we will probably fit it regardless and use it for trials. We can always get a better quality prop (Prather) at a later date I suppose.
Thank fellas........... Chris