RE :Prop damage

[Barry F]

First time user, glad I found your awesome website.
Felt like a bit of a dumb *** on the weekend when after only my 3rd time out in my first boat ( 2004 Reinell LSE ) I managed to run aground in the middle of the lake. I installed a depth sounder in the boat and when I realized I was going to run aground I panicked and put it in reverse, the prop hit the bottom and damaged it.... I guess My question is, should I just have shut it off and tried to lift the leg up ?
I did not notice any damage at this point and continued for the rest of the day. No noticable vibration or noise during use, but after I got home I noticed 2 fins of the prop are bent slightly, and a couple of dings. I have sent in the prop for repair, but after removal I found a rather large pepple in behind the prop lodged in place. Is there anything I should perhaps inspect before I use the boat again ?
Thanks in advance.

 

[fyrfightr]

Re: RE rop damage

If it is an aluminum prop I would think your OK. Hitting a stick the size of my thumb would ding my old aluminum prop. If your prop is stainless, I would check the propshaft to make sure it's true.

 

[junior1113]

Re: RE rop damage

was the prop stainless or alluminum? either way check prop shaft. spin with hand, if it wobbles at all u need it straightened. if its bent and you continue to use it will eat up gears in lower unit$$$$ i would also check lower unit oil for water. good luck alluminum props are better if you run ground a lot they absorb impact ss will bend prop shaft

 

[junior1113]

Re: RE rop damage

nothing like two people giving answer at same time lol

 

[Barry F]

Re: RE rop damage

Thanks, I rotated the prop and all looks well. Must have dodged a bullet.

 

[Thad]

Re: RE rop damage

That's the thing about depth sounders...by the time they tell you how shallow it is, it's too late
You're lucky though. You didn't hit hard and no one got hurt
On a side note, this is why you should always carry a spare prop.

 

[Barry F]

Re: RE rop damage

Junior 1113 mentioned check the lower unit oil ?
I have a 5.0L Volvo with a penta leg is there oil in the leg or drive section ?

 

[Susquehanna Squid]

Re: RE rop damage

To answer your other question: don't put it in reverse. At least get it into neutral and try to raise the lower unit. At least you will minimize the damage internally!

 

[captkevin]

Re: RE rop damage

Popping the drive into reverse at cruising speed is a very bad idea & could result in more damage that running aground. Looks like you were lucky.

 

[fyrfightr]

Re: RE rop damage

Junior 1113 mentioned check the lower unit oil ?
I have a 5.0L Volvo with a penta leg is there oil in the leg or drive section ?

Yes, all outdrives/lower units have oil just in front of the prop shaft seal.