Patent ID: 7223073

Claim:
A boat propeller having a longitudinal axis, comprising: an inner hub assembly defining a longitudinally extending bore having an inner surface, wherein the bore extends substantially rearward concentrically about the longitudinal axis, wherein the bore has a first end having a first diameter and an opposed second end having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter, wherein the bore tapers from the first end towards the second end, and wherein the inner surface of the bore comprises at least one longitudinally extending slot having opposed edge surfaces, the slot extending outwardly away from the longitudinal axis; and a central hub member having a proximal end, an opposed distal end, and an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the central hub member defining at least one longitudinally extending male rib having opposed side surfaces, wherein the exterior surface of the central hub member is sized and shaped for disposition therein the bore of the inner hub assembly such that a plurality of longitudinally extending cavities are defined, each cavity being defined by a portion of each edge surface of the slot of the inner hub assembly that faces and is spaced from a portion of a respective side surface of the rib of the central hub member; and a plurality of resilient spacer members, wherein at least a portion of one resilient spacer member is adapted to mount therein at least a portion of one cavity such that the exterior surface of the central hub member is spaced from the inner surface of the bore.