I Screwed Up Too!

[JimKW]

Not sure what Forum to post this in. I also put it in the Props forum, but maybe it shoud go in the Mercruiser Outdrive forum.

We were coming out of a no plane area going from Round Lake into Lake Charlervoix and didn't realize that it was real shallow. When we tried to go up on plane the outdrive hit bottom.

Now I can not get it to go on plane. It will run slow, but when I try to get it to go up on plane it just revs almost like a transmission is slipping. We drove it back to the place we are staying which was about 12 miles at 1500-2000 rpm's. I only tried to get it up on plane once after we hit. Once I saw it would run at slow speed I just took it easy all the way back to the cottage.

Great thing to happen while on vacation!

Should I take it to a marina, try and fix it myself or just trailer it and take it home? I have no idea how serious the damage may be.

 

[keelhauled]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Could be a couple things, but probably spun a prop hub. That's at least where I would start.

 

[Stachi]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

^^^ sounds like a spun hub ...clean the hub and nut ,draw a line across the nut and hub with a permanent marker, take it out and duplicate the symptom.. if the line is broken , either get the prop re-hubbed, or get a new prop

 

[JimKW]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Ok, I will give that a try. Let me make sure I understand. After drawing a line from one side of prop to the other across the nut, take the boat out and try to run it a little. If the line is not still across in a straight line I have spun the hub. Correct?

Tomorrow is my last day on vacation, so I really would like to have it running again in the morning if at all possible. There is a marina very close to where I'm staying. Think I should just take it there or try and buy a new prop there and put it on myself? I brought almost all my tools with me just in case.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

changing a prop takes all of about 5 minutes if you have a prop wrench....drive it over there...if prop is spun when you get there, buy a new one ...ask them if they will charge you to install it....if they say yes put it on yourself.

 

[keelhauled]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

If you don't mind dropping the cash, a spare prop isn't a bad thing to have on board. I carry one, complete with a spare prop cone (I have a Volvo so it has a cone, not a nut) and line cutter.

On the other hand, I've never needed my spare prop, but if I take it out, surely that's when I'll need it.

 

[Stachi]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Ok, I will give that a try. Let me make sure I understand. After drawing a line from one side of prop to the other across the nut, take the boat out and try to run it a little. If the line is not still across in a straight line I have spun the hub. Correct?

Tomorrow is my last day on vacation, so I really would like to have it running again in the morning if at all possible. There is a marina very close to where I'm staying. Think I should just take it there or try and buy a new prop there and put it on myself? I brought almost all my tools with me just in case.

yes , if you can re-create the problem, and the line is broken , you have spun your prop...if they can re-hub it for you , great , if not , buy a new prop....

 

[JimKW]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Right now it will run slow. If I try to put it on plane is it possible for me to spin it so bad that it will not run at all? The way it is right now I can drive it to the marina at least.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Right now it will run slow. If I try to put it on plane is it possible for me to spin it so bad that it will not run at all? The way it is right now I can drive it to the marina at least.

Good thought...yes it can be damaged to the point where it wont spin at all...my guess is that assuming it is a spun hub even at slow speed it is probably spinning some so you should hopefully still be able to diagnose it with a slow speed run...after a few minutes running lift the drive and hang over an take a look.maybe as you approach the marina hit the throttle a little bit but still being sure you can make it there or at least someone at the marina can see you to give you a hand.

 

[Stachi]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

you can do this test while moored...just make sure all lines are tight...tie up tight and floor it...then check the prop and hub for spin ( the drawn line being broken)

 

[lncoop]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

As others have said, does sound like a spun hub. Assuming it is, you might consider springing for a new prop now and having the other one redone at your convenience after you get home. Rehub doesn't cost much, and that way you'll have a spare prop. I bet if you buy a brand new prop from the marina they'll stick it on there for you. They should considering what a prop costs these days.

 

[JimKW]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

$172.99 installed for a brand new aluminum prop and I'm back on the water and running fine.

Thanks for your help guys!

At least I sounded like I know what I'm talking about when I walk into the marina. The hub is really torn up. I'm surprised it was able to get me back to the cottage last night.

Time to get back out for my last day on the water.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

A perfect reason to always carry a spare prop and hardware to mount it with. Hopefully the old one is not too damaged and you can just have a new hub kit put in and still be a good backup. Look on the bright side at least it was just a prop

 

[JimKW]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

True. When I hit a submberged log in my old Welcraft years ago, it took broke my shaft way up inside the outdrive. It was a real expensive fix where I actually went through my insurance to pay for it.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

If you don't mind dropping the cash, a spare prop isn't a bad thing to have on board.

I always carried a spare prop with me, including the thrust washer, nut, and cotter key. The one day I needed it, I was 12 miles out into the Atlantic when my SS prop decided to go for a swim in 120' of water. Luckily, I had all of the parts necessary to continue my day of fishing and get back to land as if nothing happened.

Worth every penny, especially if you find a used aluminum one at the boat yard or eBay for less than $30.00.

 

[SeanT]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Wow, glad you could salvage the rest of your vacation! Good work all!

I second carrying a second prop and did so on my old IO. Now that I have my direct drive I actually don't, and this is a reminder that I probably should, at least in my truck or something. I'm not sure I'd be able to swap a prop mid run on a direct drive boat - I'd need scuba gear!

 

[Stachi]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

I third having a second prop aboard...I actually keep two spares aboard with mounting hardware for each and a prop wrench.

 

[KermieB]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

I have two different pitched props, depending on what the plans of the day are.... so I just keep it, a nut set, and a floating wrench on board. Heck, I have to keep it somewhere, so it may as well be in a place that may rescue me someday.

 

[KStoon]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Good job! Glad it was easy! x10 for the spare prop.

 

[RAT Attack]

Re: I Screwed Up Too!

Good job! Glad it was easy! x10 for the spare prop.

+1 here!
I am glad to hear that was the only problem & didn't screw-up your last day of vacation!