Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 Review

Let’s Talk About Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509

The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 is designed to replace your propeller housing, offering a claimed improvement in lower unit protection and cost savings over traditional replacement methods. This kit boasts compatibility with Turning Point‘s Hustler and Express Series Propellers for specific Suzuki and Johnson engines. The promise of a lifetime warranty hub, even if the propeller itself is destroyed, immediately grabbed my attention as someone who has experienced the costly frustration of prop damage.

Several years ago, I managed to shear the hub clean off my Suzuki 90HP while navigating a shallow, rocky section of a local river. It cost me a small fortune to replace the entire propeller and hub assembly. So, when I saw the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 offering a potentially reusable and warrantied hub, I was definitely intrigued.

Unboxing the kit revealed a robust-looking, black composite hub with what appeared to be durable bronze splines. The materials felt solid, not flimsy, giving me confidence in their ability to withstand the harsh marine environment. The weight felt substantial, suggesting a quality build, even though it’s designed to be somewhat sacrificial in protecting the lower unit.

I was initially looking at a complete propeller replacement from Solas and a hub kit from Quicksilver. I chose the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 because of the lifetime warranty on the hub. That, combined with the potential cost savings on future prop replacements if the hub survives a strike, sealed the deal.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The lifetime warranty and the claims of enhanced lower unit protection are attractive, but the real test would be how it performs under real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 came during a week-long fishing trip on Lake of the Woods, a notoriously rocky body of water. I paired it with a Turning Point Hustler aluminum propeller on my Suzuki 70HP outboard. The lake presented a mix of open water and shallow, boulder-strewn areas, perfect for evaluating the hub kit’s performance.

The kit performed flawlessly in typical conditions, handling the engine’s power without any noticeable slippage or vibration. However, the real test came when I accidentally clipped a submerged rock at moderate speed. I braced for the worst, expecting significant damage. To my surprise, the impact felt less severe than previous encounters.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, including several more minor impacts with submerged obstacles, the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 has held up remarkably well. While the aluminum propeller has accumulated some dings and scrapes (as expected), the hub itself shows no signs of cracking or deformation. Cleaning the hub after each trip is simple, requiring only a quick rinse with freshwater to remove any debris.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard rubber-bushed propeller hubs, the Turning Point hub provides a noticeably more solid connection between the propeller and the engine. This translates to improved throttle response and a more confident feel, especially when maneuvering in tight quarters.

Breaking Down the Features of Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509

Specifications

• The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 features a 15-Tooth Spline Hub, designed to fit specific Suzuki and Johnson 40-150hp engines with a 4.25″ gearcase. This ensures a proper connection to the engine’s driveshaft.
• It is specifically compatible with Turning Point‘s Hustler and Express Series Propellers. This guarantees optimal performance and fitment.
• The hub system is engineered with a one-piece design using glass-filled nylon over durable marine bronze splines. This eliminates the failure points often found in multi-part or rubber-bushed hubs.
• The kit is finished in black. This provides a sleek, corrosion-resistant appearance.

These specifications are important because they directly influence the kit’s performance, durability, and compatibility. The spline count and gearcase size ensure a proper fit, while the materials and design contribute to its strength and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 excels at protecting the lower unit from damage caused by propeller strikes. Its design allows the hub to absorb the impact energy, potentially saving the expensive gears and housings within the lower unit. The improved connection between the propeller and engine delivers enhanced throttle response and handling.

The design works perfectly, and the company’s lifetime warranty is a peace of mind. However, installation can be tricky for those unfamiliar with propeller maintenance, requiring some mechanical aptitude.

The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of enhanced lower unit protection and improved performance, all while offering potential cost savings in the long run.

Design & Ergonomics

The hub is constructed from durable materials, giving it a solid and robust feel. Its weight contributes to a sense of quality without being overly burdensome during installation or removal.

The kit’s design is relatively user-friendly, although proper installation requires some basic mechanical knowledge. A detailed instruction manual is included, which helps guide the process.

Durability & Maintenance

The hub is built to last, with marine-grade materials designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. With proper care, including regular cleaning and inspection, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 is straightforward. It simply requires rinsing with freshwater after each use and occasional inspection for signs of wear or damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 doesn’t include a large array of accessories, as it is primarily a replacement hub. However, it is compatible with Turning Point‘s Hustler and Express Series propellers, offering a range of options for different boating needs.

The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509 will likely NOT be compatible with propellers designed for traditional rubber-bushed hubs or other proprietary hub systems. Compatibility charts should always be consulted to ensure a proper fit.

Pros and Cons of Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 509