Rubex interchangeable hub propellers are to be used with Rubber RBX hub kits.

Caution: Grease the propeller shaft
RBX hub kits:
Taiwan Patent: M310175
Patent #
The United States of America: US 7,488,225
Europe-Serial Number: EP 07010803.0

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Propeller Kits & Rubber Hub ＊Rubber Hub   .Understanding Boat Propeller Assemblies On the Propshaft A typical recreational boating propeller is mounted on a splined propshaft with a thrust washer, spacer, washer and nut, with some provision to keep the nut from turning loose, such as tabs on the washer or an additional cotter pin. There are exceptions, like the shear pin systems that were once widespread, but now most are as we describe here. Thrust Washer The thrust washer is mounted on the propshaft, between the lower unit and the propeller, and it may or may not have splines. It's an important component of a boat propeller's installation, because it fits the shaft in such a way that will not allow either itself or the propeller to move forward under thrust, thereby transferring thrust to the shaft and protecting the gear housing and its seal from contacting the rotating propeller. A matching taper on the propshaft and the washer is one effective design that stops a thrust washer from moving too far forward. The thrust washer also helps to keep the propeller centered on the shaft when the soft inner prop hub fails to do so under adverse high-torque conditions. Hub Inserted in the prop is a splined inner hub, which serves as a shock absorber between the prop blades and the shaft. A good prop hub should keep the propeller precision-centered on the propshaft, dampen vibrations and help protect the shaft from the severe shock of striking a submerged object with the propeller. There are two basic types of hub (in addition to some rare specialty hubs): a pressed rubber hub or an interchangeable hub. The pressed hub is semi-permanently forced into position by a high pressure press in a prop shop. By contrast, the interchangeable hub is easily inserted by the prop installer. Each propeller is designed to use one type or the other. While pressed hubs are made of rubber, interchangeable hubs are sometimes made of a more rigid material, but we find that rubber interchangeable hubs offer better vibration dampening. What's the difference between Rubex and Solas? Most Solas propellers are of the pressed rubber hub type and a few have specialty pin drive hubs. All Rubex props use interchangeable rubber hubs. There you have it! Spacer Like the thrust washer, the spacer assists alignment of the prop to the shaft when the inner hub is unable to hold its shape, only this time at the aft end of the prop. The spacer bears reverse thrust loads and prevents the inner hub from moving aft, with its large surface area. The final washer and nut prevent the spacer from moving aft. Many spacers are splined and some, for numerous Mercury, Mariner and Mercruiser applications, are also cogged or pinned to work in conjunction with an outer tab washer to prevent the nut from turning loose. Washer The washer helps fill space between the spacer and the nut, where the splines on the propshaft end and the threads begin. This helps prevent fore and aft play on the shaft by the prop. A tab washer can be used if the spacer is designed for one. Otherwise, a large traditional washer would be expected on an assembly that uses a cotter pin to retain the nut. When used, a tab washer's primary function is to prevent the nut from rotating in relation to the spacer. Prop Nut The prop nut secures the prop to the shaft and helps transfer reverse thrust to the shaft. Normally made of brass, a nylon locknut is used in conjunction with a tab washer or else a castellated (castle) nut is used with a cotter pin. Cotter Pin Where used, the cotter pin passes through a hole in the propshaft after the castle nut has been tightened with its slots aligned on both sides of the hole. Conclusion With so few pieces, a prop assembly is not complicated. Because each of the parts in the prop assembly performs an important function, it is important to use the correct parts and to install them all as intended. To maintain the correct positioning, spacing and integrity, each part must be made to match both the propeller and the drive unit that it's going on. Whenever doing a propeller installation, use your knowledge and pay particular attention to any instructions that may be provided with your prop or hub kit, especially concerning which parts to use.

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