DIY repair on this prop?

[JASinIL2006]

Trying to post from an iPad is about impossible... see question below...

 

[jestor68]

If it's banged up very much, just buy a new one. Repaired props almost never work as well as new ones.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Let's see if I can post a pic... I've tried about 5 times tonight and have encountered lots of errors. This is a pic of the tip that that got bent, along with one of the undamaged tips. It's a 4-bladed aluminum prop.



Here's another view:

 

[JASinIL2006]

Looks like it finally worked... from my laptop. I don't think I'll bother using the iPad with the forums for a while.

Anyway, I was backing the boat away from a dock over some skinny water and I think I bumped a submerged log. I used the boat for a few days and didn't notice anything, It was only when we trailered the boat that I noticed the bent tip.

I've read threads that recommend everything from buying a new prop (or sending it to a prop shop) to just hammering it out between two heavy hammers. Not sure where my ding falls, but I thought I ought to ask...

Thanks!

Jim

 

[Starcraft5834]

cant see the pics here........last summer I was in the St Lawrence River and drifted back into some rocks, bent my 4 blade 15p a little in one spot.. ball peen hammer againt my wooden work bench, looks like new,, performed just fine monday in Seneca Lake,, NYS. if it's a little job you can handle, just whack it out yourself

 

[bruceb58]

You should have it professionally repaired buy a good prop shop. Fortunately, I have one of the best ones in the country within an hour of where I live. Not only will they check the pitch in case that changed but also balance it which is the most important.

 

[JASinIL2006]

OK, let's try this one more time... Let's see if the new software will let me post a Photobucket picture.

 

[jestor68]

That doesn't look too bad.

Any decent shop can straighten it out.

 

[Starcraft5834]

nice work.. you just saved yourself some money

 

[JASinIL2006]

nice work.. you just saved yourself some money

Actually, one is the damaged tip and the other is one of the undamaged tips. I wish it was a before and after picture...

 

[JASinIL2006]

I'm considering replacing the bent aluminum prop with a stainless steel prop. The current prop is a Michigan Wheel Vortex, 4 blade, 20p x 14". That prop is a great match for my boat. I think a Solas HR Titan looks like a good replacement. Two questions: since I'm moving from aluminum to SS, and a rather aggressive, cupped SS prop, I think I need to drop down in pitch, but I'm not sure if I should drop from 20p (current alum. 4-blade prop) to a 19 or 18 pitch. I'm right at about 5700 RPM WOT (5800 is upper limit for my engine) with my current prop. I use the 4-blade prop for towing sport, where holeshot is important. Secondly, should I expect to be able to use my current thrust washer and nut, or do I need a set specific to the new prop? I can't tell if these things are interchangeable. Thanks! Jim

 

[H20Rat]

If it's banged up very much, just buy a new one. Repaired props almost never work as well as new ones.

Need to find a better repair shop! After my local guy is done, you can't tell the prop from a new one. He cleans/repaints/balances any prop he repairs, so its very likely the prop is BETTER than new. (balanced)

 

[JASinIL2006]

Any thoughts on my question above (in post #11) re: pitch for a new stainless steel prop to replace the aluminum one? Thanks, Jim

 

[walleyehed]

I'd go 18P because you are still below max RPM and you will drop 100-150 going to a 19P SS from 20p alum. 5800-5900 won't bother anything and your hole-shot will be great.

Edit: Solas props are slightly higher pitch per number than most others as well, ie, Merc tempest in 26 pulls same numbers as solas scorpion in 25P.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Thanks, walleyehed, that's very helpful. I did try a DIY remedy and took the boat out yesterday. The prop worked OK, although it didn't seem to have as much bite (could be I was imagining it, though), but on the way in the channel off the river, I hit some submerged junk and banged up the prop even more. Now I really need a new prop! I also need a recommendation for a good prop shop that I can send my prop to... No shops local to me. Thanks! Jim

 

[JASinIL2006]

I ordered the 18P prop from iboats. Should be here this week. Can't wait to try it out! Thanks for the help! Jim