Hit a Rock

[DocG2828]

Hello! I was out at East Fork Lake yesterday....and the water was down a few feet. Well I pulled up to the dock to pick up my wife after parking the vehicle....and noticed the depth finder saida bout 3 feet. I had the trim up as much as possible for the shallow water. As we pulled away from the dock, loud thump and the boat jerked a little. Hit a rock with the outdrive.

We went away from the dock, cut the engine and raised the drive. The prop got nicked up a little and the bottom edge of the fin is scraped to heck....but everything overall didn't look too bad. We boated the day and it seemed to run and drive fine.

Anything I should look for or check to make sure I didn't cause any real damage? Any good way to know if the prop is out of balance? I don't think its nicked up bad enough to be out of balance....it almost looks like the prop shaved the rock. If anything, could use a sharpen.

Any suggestions would be great! Hate that I hit a rock or whatever hard thing it was....but I want to make sure I treat my boat right since its only 1 year old right now.

Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hit a Rock

check lower unit oil for water. out of balance prop you should feel the vibrations. the skeg did it's job.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Hit a Rock

Spin the prop by hand and watch the center of the shaft. It should not wobble at all, if it does the propshaft is bent.
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[F_R]

Re: Hit a Rock

Don't be worrying so much. A few scratches and dings on your pride and joy maybe, but there shouldn't be any catastophic damage from that little bump.

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Hit a Rock

Thanks! I'm not really worried about scratches or anything.....just didn't want to miss anything obvious since I'm still fairly new to boating. I'll spin the prop next time I'm out and check for any leaks or anything.....but I'm guessing everything is just fine

 

[jimhen]

Re: Hit a Rock

I had most of my boating experience on a reservoir in Georgia, and for the most part rocks were a non issue. Moved to NY 10 years ago and have become adept at whacking them ( at first anyway ) I've never damaged anything other than the prop ( aluminum ) whick tends to break easier than a steel prop. But it is expensive ! I've learned to be a lot more careful..... If your inexperienced and running a steel prop you may be asking for trouble.
get to know where obstructions are in your area and be cautious. ( doesn't sound like you need it but a pretty badly dinged prop can be rebuilt )