proper prop installation

Russ,
Water base will work just fine plus it's easier to clean up! The Prussian blue is optional as it's just a good indicator of high and low spots.

New 422 installed. I am glad that I decided to change the prop this year as when I went to change the screw was loose and the prop just fell off the taper. I am thinking that I am fortunate that I did not have any trouble last season.

I lapped the shaft as mentioned in this thread and ended with a nice fit.

Here is a pic, Cleanup of underside of boat is needed!!!!!

I also need to do some serious trailer work in the fall.

This is a fantastic and helpful thread for sure Pete, Very kind of you to share the knowledge with us clowns. I got away with not lapping for over 25 years but I now know that was wrong.
One point on torqueing the prop nut.   30-35 pounds of torque is not very much.
Even small cars torque the wheel studs to 90 pounds torque so keep in mind how little 35 pounds is. Most of us have changed a tire on our cars and know how tight that is.
The prop nut is about 1/3 that tight.   An impact gun could blast that nut down to 150-250 pounds in a quick application of air power.   Using a 2x4 to tighten the nut?   Any water skier has plenty of grip in your hands to hold the prop with one hand while tightening the nut to 35 foot pounds.   If you need a 2x4 you are way too tight.
Using a crescent wrench on the nut, if adjusted properly I see zero issue using the adjustable wrench for this little amount of torque.   

I should follow up with my observation, in the old days before lapping changing a prop was really easy.   I never had to fight getting one off because they were installed badly and I did not know it. A lapped prop will need a tool to remove it every time, showing you did the job correctly and safely.
I also had the clank of the prop hitting the nut when put in reverse before I started lapping, that clank going into reverse should be a red flag for any inboard boater.
Pete"s advice should be listed as gospel on this issue.   Thanks again and I hope all the new guys get a chance to read Pete's advice.

Pete, We used to lap horse shoes before the car came along.
(BTW we are only about 2 years apart)

Delta even threw in some gratis beer coozies!

Brass