New prop hard to turn by hand

[coloblt]

2024 mercury 115 pro XS serial 3B492277.

Hello, I fish some lakes that are 7500 feet, this requires me to switch my prop from a 17 to a 15 pitch when I go to these lakes. I am having an issue with a brand new black max prop I purchased. When I put it on and tighten down the prop nut to spec it’s hard to turn by hand. I have checked my thrust washer, I have tried a brand new hub kit, it spins pretty freely until I tighten down the nut. Everything seems to be fine except it’s hard to turn by hand. The 17 pitch for low elevation turns just fine by hand. Is this just some paint or something on the prop rubbing? Do I just need to run it to wear it in? This is my 4th boat and I’ve never had this issue before. Thanks!

[MichaelJ3]

Post your S/N and what hub you are using, that may help w/ diagnosing

[coloblt]

Motor serial is posted above, hub kit is a Flo-torq ll. I will also add that it fells sorta like the prop is rubbing around the bore sleeve on the lower…

[fishnfireman]

Motor serial is posted above, hub kit is a Flo-torq ll. I will also add that it fells sorta like the prop is rubbing around the bore sleeve on the lower…

Wouldn't be the first.
Do a good visual of both surfaces and look for rub marks or shiny spots.
Might try indexing the prop.

[sparkertx3]

Something to try, if your hub is the square type, pull it out and rotate a quarter or half turn. I've had the exact problem on my HD hub swapping props. Rotating the hub fixes it.

[EuropeanAM]

Something to try, if your hub is the square type, pull it out and rotate a quarter or half turn. I've had the exact problem on my HD hub swapping props. Rotating the hub fixes it.

^^^^ Try this. Also look at the gearcase end of the prop to see if there is evidence of "where" it's rubbing. The protective wear sleeve and the prop should NOT contact under normal circumstances.

If trying the above recommendation does not resolve this, I would get the prop back to the selling dealer as it's likely the problem.