shredded prop in shallow water

[Boatsrneat]

This is my first boat. A 2000 Crownline 180BR, 4.3L alpha 1. It was my second time out. I managed to run into some shallow areas and heard chopping sounds. I quickly trimmed up a little and steered out from the area. When I took the boat out, I saw the damage. All three prop blades damaged, and the skegg's paint scrapped off, but no physical damage to it.

Do I have to worry about any other damage to the gear box? Since the prop and stuff are made of aluminum, does that take up the impact? Do I just get a new (or fix my damaged one) prop and be good to go. Anything else to check out. Also, do they make outdrive touch up paint? Heres some pics...

http://home.comcast.net/~stwicks/DSC02503.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~stwicks/DSC02504.JPG


Thanks
Steve

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

Hey Steve

Been there done that. It happens to everyone. A good prop shop should be able to rebuild and balance your prop in no time. Probably around $100 or so. Might be worth looking into getting a spare.

It might be worth getting a repair shop to have a look at your drive. Is there any visible oil leaking?

Rick

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

A little black paint,and a new prop and you should be fine.
Those aluminum props are soft and will give before your drive will.
Look for Tempo engine paint in the Iboats store.

 

[happycamper]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

Steve,
I have a nice collection of mangled props from the drought years of 2001-2003. My drive survived them just fine, and yours probably did too.

I suggest a new prop and testing the boat at WOT. If there's no vibration, you're probably OK.

 

[aerwin]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

been there. done that. easier to get a new prop

 

[Boatsrneat]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

Thanks everyone for the responses, I feel better knowing even the best have done this.:redface: I think I will just get a new prop and hub kit all together...seems easier. Maybe I will fix the old one for a spare? I also am going to change the impeller and thermostat (previous owner said it was running hotter each year) Runs about 175 now. Sure can't hurt to change. Guess i'll have to get a service manual for the torque specs and certain alignment/installation procedures im sure to run into. I am an auto mechanic by trade so Im hoping it's strait forward.

As far as any other damage to the drive unit (that is after my prop bashing) I inspected and no oil leaks right now. Would I be to much of a dork to measure the run out, with a dial indicator, on the prop shaft to see how strait it really is? It funny how much more anal I am about my boat and not as much as my bike or car.

Steve

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

It would not hurt to check it but i bet its ok. You can always run it in gear on the muffs with the prop off and give it a look.

 

[boatpropshop.com]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

Happens to the best of us. New prop a little paint, its good as new.


http://www.boatpropshop.com

 

[ss313]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

The same thing happened to me last weekend on my first weekend out. Man, I couldn't get it out of gear fast enough. My prop survived with a little filing but I am currently trying to figure out what I have so that I can get a new one and keep this one for a spare. BTW I am an auto mechanic as well and measured the runout on mine and didn't see anything to be worried about.

On your raw water impeller. Buy a manual and do a search here and you will find more info than you can process. Mine was fried, I found impeller blades when I pulled the plastic covers off of the lower unit. I got the water pump kit with the upper housing from a local marina for $26 and change.

Scott

 

[thisuldoit]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

Boatsrneat...


I just did the same thing. No damage to the drive, but I sure did feed stupid. I would also recommend going to www.ebasicpower.com. I have gotten a new hub assembly and prop for around $100.00. And these are the type of propeller and hub assembly that should you spin a hub, it is only a $35.00 replacement hub cost. They also have a great wizard that helps you determine the exact prop you need.

 

[sankanother1]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

Buy a new prop.You now have a low level lake prop.Put this one on when you run unkown lakes and rivers'

 

[180shabah]

Re: shredded prop in shallow water

For all your Mercruiser Service Needs

Ditto all the above who said replace the prop.

If you want to stay with aluminum, probably a good idea until you learn your waters, you might want to check out the Hustler by turning point propellors. I was amazed at the difference between that and the merc prop. I am running a Stainless shifting prop now, but I kept the hustler as my spare. The merc prop went in ebay. BTW, Ebay is a great place to search for a prop, get exactly what you have now from somebody who has upgraded.