Need some advise on dam. prop

[Vipercwf]

Hit prop on presumably some underwater rocks...stainless steel prop that when I checked took pretty good damage on each fin. It didn't feel like it hit all that hard but here is my question. Being its a stainless steel prop and it has significant damage the likelihood that it damaged the prop shaft is probably pretty good right? Even though the prop was damaged pretty good I didn't notice much vibration at all, none while cruising just a bit at initial acceleration. Boat is at dock and don't have a trailer. I'm not overly mechanical, esp with boats but some have suggested to just replace the prop and see if there is still any vibration. I realize that is not exactly the proper way to see if prop shaft is bent but have limited options without a trailer. My concern is what if I don't notice vibration after replacing prop and continue driving the boat this summer, will I be causing myself more damage/money then its worth doing it that way? (I do have insurance and from what I understand it could be covered, so thats why it was suggested to me to put new prop on it and just go with it if there isn't vibration because even if I do more damage in long run I could just get it covered by insurance which has only $250 deductible)

Thanks for any advise I really do appreciate it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need some advise on dam. prop

You can check for shaft damage using a piece of stiff wire. Raise the motor so can get at the prop. Bend the wire so it forms a "pointer" and that can be held perfectly stationary while someone turns the prop. Point the end of the wire at the exact center of the prop shaft. Spin the prop. If the shaft wobbles around the pointer it is bent.

 

[Proselect]

Re: Need some advise on dam. prop

Hey thats a good tip right there!!