Just hit a log....shaking in drive

[ktmrider]

Volvo Penta Stern Drive 5.0 liter.
I just hit a log going about 20 mph. Now in drive the motor and external system is shaking above idle.

This is my 1st boat so I'm not sure what is the problem.
I'm assuming the cost will be up to $1000 in damage to the stern drive?

 

[Don S]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

I'm assuming the cost will be up to $1000 in damage to the stern drive?

Why would you assume that? Did you even look at the prop? Bent or broken blades back there spinning around will vibrate.

 

[ktmrider]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

I'm so sad right now.

I have a composite propeller and there appears no visible damage at all.
I have spare blades that I can use to test if it's the blades or not. I also have a spare aluminum propeller that I can try.

 

[Don S]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

Have you tried moving the drive back and forth by hand (out of the water with the engine NOT running) and looking for anything broken or with excess play?

 

[ktmrider]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

After further investigation by pulling the entire propeller out and inspecting each blade, I've discovered that two of the blades were broken from within the hub. I hope this was the root cause of the shaking.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

With any of your spare props on, engine off, in neutral turn the prop and carefully look for any waver inii the shaft at the prop nut.

It is NOT uncommon for a log to also bend the prop shaft, @ 280.00 Part + seal kit +labor

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

composite prop with broken blades Hmmmmmmmmmmm would vibrate like hell. Try a new prop and keep if it is smooth keep and eye on the lower unit lube. Maybe you did nothing, but you might have damaged a seal.

 

[hal2814]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

If the blades are broken on the inside, they will shake the drive like crazy even if they look ok. The other day I lost one blade on my composite and while trying to get back to dock, I had to go about 10-15 MPH to keep vibration down. Turned out I had 2 blades broken inside the hub and one blade visibly broken. I put an aluminum prop on there to check out the drive. Runs like a champ. I used to be a believer but from now on I think I'll just stick to repairing aluminum props over buying composite blades. When you have to change out 3 or 4 blades every time, it's just not economical.

 

[ktmrider]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

The complete composite Propulse propeller was $165 while each spare blade costs me $30. I had to replace two so I guess $60-$70 is better than a new unit. ?

 

[hal2814]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

The complete composite Propulse propeller was $165 while each spare blade costs me $30. I had to replace two so I guess $60-$70 is better than a new unit. ?

Around here, it costs about $75-$80 to repair an aluminum propeller with a 1 week turnaround. (If anyone knows a good prop shop in the Lake Lanier or Lake Hartwell regions who do it cheaper, please let me know.) I used to think the ProPulse was a better deal but now I'm not so sure. I've picked up a new aluminum propeller and am repairing my old aluminum. I'll just keep one as a spare to get through with the 1 week turnaround. If you want some spare ProPulse parts, let me know. I'll probably be parting mine out.

 

[Don S]

Re: Just hit a log....shaking in drive

hal2814
When you have a question, start a new thread, don't just stick it onto someone elses post. In a couple of replies no one will see it anyway.
You will probably get a lot better answers to your prop question over in the Prop Questions and Topics forum.