An apparatus and system for a marine propeller assembly are provided. In one aspect, the marine propeller assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced blades that each include a dovetail having a radial inner surface. The marine propeller assembly also includes a hub including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced dovetail receiving portions configured to receive a corresponding dovetail of the plurality of blades. At least one gap is formed between the radial inner surface and at least a portion of the dovetail receiving portion.