Why the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 Might Be Right for You
As a seasoned gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve encountered my fair share of components that promise the moon but deliver stardust. The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 arrived at a moment of mild frustration. My trusty Mercury outboard, a workhorse on the bay, had experienced a minor prop strike – not enough to shatter the prop itself, but enough to make me question the integrity of the hub assembly. Replacing the entire propeller seemed overkill and financially burdensome, prompting a search for a more targeted solution. I was looking for a robust replacement hub that offered superior protection and longevity.
In my search, I considered generic aftermarket hub kits and even debated the cost of a full propeller assembly from the engine manufacturer. However, the promise of Turning Point Propellers‘ MasterGuard Hub System, with its lifetime warranty and reputation for durability, piqued my interest. The core of this system, the Hub Kit 708, specifically targets engines like mine, with its 15-Tooth Spline Hub and compatibility with a 4.75″ gearcase. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the components felt solid, and the design, particularly the one-piece hub construction, suggested a departure from the multi-part systems that can be prone to failure. It was a welcome sigh of relief to feel the weight and apparent quality of the parts, signaling a potential end to my propeller woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds for the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 were, naturally, the waters of my local bay. The installation process itself was straightforward, a testament to good engineering and clear instructions. I performed the installation in my workshop, under good lighting, and found the fitment to be precise, requiring no undue force.
Once installed, I took the boat out for a leisurely cruise, followed by some more demanding maneuvers. The first surprise was the noticeable reduction in vibration. I hadn’t realized how much subtle vibration had become a background noise until it was significantly diminished. The engine felt smoother, and the prop seemed to engage more crisply.
No significant issues or quirks presented themselves during this initial outing. The hub performed as advertised, with no signs of slippage or unusual noises, even during moderate acceleration and tight turns. It felt reassuringly solid.
Extended Use & Reliability
Weeks turned into months, and the Hub Kit 708 became a regular part of my boating experience. It’s seen everything from slow trolling for flounder to high-speed runs across choppy water, and it’s handled it all without a hitch.
Durability has been exceptional. Despite several accidental encounters with submerged debris – the bane of any boater – the hub has performed admirably. While I haven’t had another significant prop strike to truly test its ultimate sacrificial capabilities, the minor impacts it has absorbed have shown no visible signs of distress. There are no cracks, no stiffness, and importantly, no performance drop.
Maintenance has been minimal, which is exactly what I’d hoped for. A quick rinse with fresh water after saltwater use and a visual inspection are all that’s required. The corrosion-resistant materials clearly live up to their billing. Comparing it to previous experiences with less robust hub systems, this Turning Point model feels like a generational leap in reliability and peace of mind.
Breaking Down the Features of Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708
Specifications
The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708, also known by its part number 11700800, is engineered with precision for specific engine applications. It features a 15-Tooth Spline Hub, which is critical for proper engagement with the engine’s driveshaft. This hub is designed for engines with a 4.75″ gearcase, a common size on many larger outboards from Honda and Tohatsu, specifically those rated at 200hp and above. The kit includes all necessary components for installation, though specific hardware might vary slightly depending on the propeller it’s paired with.
The one-piece hub with glass-filled nylon over durable marine bronze splines is a standout specification. This patented design, covered by multiple US and international patents, aims to eliminate the common failure points found in older multi-part or rubber-based hub systems. The use of marine bronze splines is particularly noteworthy, offering excellent strength and resistance to saltwater corrosion. The kit comes in a Black color, a subtle but practical choice that blends with most propeller designs.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of a propeller hub is to transmit power from the engine to the water, while also providing a crucial layer of protection. The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 excels at both. Its primary function of securely connecting the propeller to the engine’s driveshaft is flawlessly executed.
The most significant performance enhancement I’ve noticed is the drastic reduction in propeller vibration and chatter. This directly translates to a quieter, smoother ride and a more enjoyable experience on the water. Beyond comfort, this also implies less stress on the lower unit and surrounding components. The hub’s ability to absorb shock during a prop strike is its namesake feature, and while I haven’t pushed it to its absolute limit (by choice!), the engineering suggests it’s designed to deform or shear preferentially, saving the more expensive drivetrain components.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hub Kit 708 is a clear win for durability and user-friendliness. The one-piece hub construction is ingenious; it removes potential weak points where rubber could tear or where multiple metal parts could loosen. The combination of glass-filled nylon outer shell and marine bronze splines provides a robust yet somewhat forgiving material composition.
Ergonomically, the installation is straightforward. Once installed, the hub is, of course, integrated into the propeller system and becomes largely unnoticeable in daily use, which is the hallmark of excellent design. It doesn’t introduce any awkwardness or require special handling beyond standard propeller maintenance. The black finish is practical, resisting scuffs and dirt relatively well.
Durability & Maintenance
Turning Point Propellers backs this system with a Lifetime Warranty on the hub, which speaks volumes about their confidence in its durability. Based on my extended use, this confidence is well-placed. The materials used are clearly marine-grade and designed to withstand the harsh realities of saltwater environments.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After each outing, a simple freshwater rinse is sufficient to prevent salt and grime buildup. The corrosion-resistant materials mean that rust and degradation are unlikely to be issues. The design also seems to prevent the buildup of marine growth within the hub itself. I’ve had no experience with failure points yet, but the robust construction suggests it’s built for the long haul, far exceeding the lifespan of standard rubber hubs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 is designed as a component that integrates with specific Turning Point propellers, namely their Hustler and Express Series. It is not typically sold with additional accessories, as its function is to be part of the propeller assembly. However, the true “customization” lies in the fact that this hub system is designed to be reusable and adaptable.
The key benefit is that you don’t need to buy a new hub kit every time you replace a propeller. Once installed on a propeller, this MasterGuard Hub System can potentially be transferred to a new compatible propeller from Turning Point if the old propeller is destroyed. This offers significant long-term value and flexibility, meaning the initial purchase is an investment rather than a disposable component.
Pros and Cons of Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708
Pros
- Lifetime Warranty on the hub, offering exceptional long-term value and peace of mind.
- One-piece hub construction with marine bronze splines virtually eliminates common failure points.
- Significantly reduces propeller vibration & chatter, leading to a smoother, quieter ride.
- Provides enhanced lower unit protection by acting as a sacrificial element during prop strikes.
- Corrosion resistant materials ensure longevity in saltwater environments.
- Reusable in many cases after a prop strike, saving money on future prop replacements.
- Offers substantial savings of up to 38% when purchasing a replacement propeller with the hub system.
Cons
- Initial cost is higher than basic rubber hub kits.
- Limited to specific Turning Point propeller series and engine spline counts/gearcase sizes.
- Requires specific propeller models to be compatible; cannot be fitted to any propeller.
Who Should Buy Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708?
The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 is an ideal choice for owners of Honda and Tohatsu 200+hp outboards with a 4.75″ gearcase and a 15-tooth spline shaft. It’s particularly suited for boaters who prioritize durability, enhanced engine protection, and a smoother running vessel. If you’ve experienced prop strikes, or simply want a more robust and long-lasting hub solution than standard rubber options, this system is a strong contender.
Those who should likely skip this product are individuals with engines not matching the specified spline count or gearcase size, or those who are seeking the absolute cheapest, disposable replacement hub. It’s also not for someone looking to retrofit it onto a propeller not designed for the Turning Point MasterGuard system. For optimal use, ensure you are purchasing a compatible Turning Point Hustler or Express Series propeller. Consider also investing in a spare propeller to have on hand, knowing that this hub can be transferred.
Conclusion on Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708
The Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 represents a significant upgrade over traditional propeller hub systems. Its robust one-piece design, coupled with marine bronze splines, provides exceptional durability and a crucial layer of protection for your outboard’s lower unit. The noticeable reduction in vibration translates directly to a more refined and enjoyable boating experience, while the long-term value proposition, underscored by its Lifetime Warranty and reusability, makes the initial investment highly justifiable.
For owners of compatible Honda and Tohatsu outboards, this hub kit isn’t just a replacement part; it’s an investment in reliability and peace of mind. It performs its core function flawlessly, absorbing impact and smoothing out operation, all while resisting the corrosive effects of saltwater. I wholeheartedly recommend the Turning Point Propellers Hub Kit 708 to any boater looking for a superior, long-lasting, and protective solution for their propeller assembly. It’s a product that truly delivers on its promises.