If regular maintenance is not done and the annual replacement parts (zinc, wear bearings, sound dampening plugs, new stationary screws) are not replaced, electrolysis tends to “eat” away at the metal which causes the thinnest parts of the assembly to become brittle and eventually break apart.

Yes. Just like any part of your vessel you want to make sure your cutter is working in tip-top shape! We recommend replacing the zinc, wear bearings, sound dampening plugs and stationary screws annually. Depending on how often the vessel is run and the type of water it is run in, you may want to consider replacing these parts every 6 months.

We also recommend sending your cutter(s) into the factory every other year for a reconditioning service which includes: glass bead blasting & cleaning, re-sharpening, new screws & washers, tolerance & wear check, new wear bearings, zinc and sound dampening plugs.

No. At this time we only have cutter assemblies for inboard engines.

The cutter hub diameter is matched as close to the vessel’s propeller hub as possible for optimum blade clearance.

There is play within the “V” of the holding block to allow for the shaft end play.  You do not want to install the cutter assemblies too far into the holding block because if there is some shaft end play you can potentially have cutter damage. Make sure the cutter is installed right at the stop line indicated on the holding block.

Yes, Spurs will absolutely cut through seaweed as well as fishing lines and nets with ease.

If the wire is of a small enough diameter Spurs will cut through it. However, if the cutter encounters a wire too large for it to handle, the holding block bolts are made with a softer grade steel designed to sheer off and prevent any further damage to the vessel.

The wear bearing not only keeps a safe distance between the blades, they also absorb water which allows the spinning blades to hydroplane on the bearing and spin freely. Sediment and abrasive silt cause these bearings to wear and therefore need regular replacement. Typically, the wear bearings are changed at the same time as the zinc and sound dampening plugs.

The stationary assembly sits inside the wear bearing keeping it isolated from the rest of the unit and any anodes which may be protecting the shaft. This requires the stationary assembly to carry its own anode.

The amount of space required between the propeller hub and strut hub/stern tube ranges from 1.14” – 2.80”   (29mm – 72mm) depending on which model cutter is the best fit for your vessel. This distance accommodates the cutter assembly while still leaving enough room for water flow to the cutlass bearing. 

The initial installation takes about one hour per shaft. 

It is not necessary for the vessel to be hauled for the initial installation if you have experienced divers with the correct equipment to get the job done.  If an experienced diver is not available, we recommend installing the cutters when the vessel is hauled so that you may drill and tap the holes in the strut for mounting the holding block.  This is easiest done during your annual haul out. 

Yes. We typically have everything in stock and available for immediate pick up or shipment. In the case that we do not have an item available, we will advise approximately how long it will take at the time the order is placed.

No! Please do NOT paint or put prop speed on your cutter assemblies. It will prevent water absorption into the bearing material resulting in premature wear or failure of your cutters.