Does this prop need repair?

tkdunn

Seaman
Joined
Jul 4, 2011
Messages
68
My brother got the back of my pontoon hung on a small fallen tree, the prop grazed it. :facepalm: Here are pictures of my prop. Will it cause damage to the lower unit like this? Can the rough edges be filed down? Or would this have to be sent to a repair shop?

2012-01-06_15-01-31_620.jpg2012-01-06_15-01-50_361.jpg2012-01-06_15-01-56_280.jpg2012-01-06_15-02-02_742.jpg2012-01-06_15-02-08_360.jpg
 

O-fishal

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 4, 2011
Messages
91
Re: Does this prop need repair?

I would send it to a repair shop because those ruff edges will start to make bubbles on the prop which cause cavitation.
 

cribber

Lieutenant
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
1,338
Re: Does this prop need repair?

You could file down the rough edges but you need to ensure it is balanced when you're done. Spend the 30-40 bucks it would cost you to have a prop shop do it right for you. That prop is worth fixing since all of the damage is along the edges. I smacked an underwater cypress knee and ripped a blade in half, cracked the 2nd one, and bent the third one. Shinola happens when your out on the water and why I carry a spare prop.
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Does this prop need repair?

The prop looks fine to me, and I've seen props a LOT more beat up than that and still running fine. Maybe just file those little snags off the edges and then don't worry about it!:)
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Does this prop need repair?

Prop shop will simply file the edges and recontour the shape--you might as well do it yourself and save time and money.

That prop is still runnable as is though
 

rolmops

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,518
Re: Does this prop need repair?

That prop is easily filed.It is made of aluminum and that is about as hard as wood so you can use a wood file.It will take you about one minute.
The damage is very superficial and by the looks of it nothing got bent so you should be fine.Just go over it a few times with a file and then some sandpaper to take the breams off.
 

tkdunn

Seaman
Joined
Jul 4, 2011
Messages
68
Re: Does this prop need repair?

It just smashed the outside edges of the blades a little, nothing extreme. If there was a repair shop close by I'd take it in but I'd have to ship it somewhere. I'd need to use a fine sandpaper, right?
 

UncleWillie

Captain
Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
3,995
Re: Does this prop need repair?

My brother got the back of my pontoon hung on a small fallen tree ..... Can the rough edges be filed down? Or would this have to be sent to a repair shop?
Just file off the raised bumps so the metal that is sticking out is removed. Or, Better Yet .....
Have your Brother take it to the prop shop. :rolleyes:
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Does this prop need repair?

It just smashed the outside edges of the blades a little, nothing extreme. If there was a repair shop close by I'd take it in but I'd have to ship it somewhere. I'd need to use a fine sandpaper, right?
The prop is fine...quit worrying about it and go fishing!;)
 

dwco5051

Commander
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Messages
2,452
Re: Does this prop need repair?

If it was mine I would just use the file on my Leatherman tool and smooth down the little bit that is turned over. Used to use the Leatherman all the time to smooth out stone nicks on my plane prop. They do a nice job on aluminum.
 

onoahimahi

Cadet
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
6
Re: Does this prop need repair?

Another vote for it's fine. Tell your brother to relax - he didn't hurt it. Just file the rough edges. Either that or tell him he needs to buy you a new prop and keep this for a spare... :)
 

catfishr1

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 26, 2011
Messages
299
Re: Does this prop need repair?

Yup I agree too. Clean up edges &go have fun.
 
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