OMC Cobra vs. unknown object discussion

[tfitch03]

Idling through the marina this weekend in 5ft of water when all of the sudden there was a big bump and a dead engine. I raised my lower unit and saw that I had hit something and snapped the tip off one of my prop blades (aluminum). Luckily I always carry a spare prop, so I made the switch finished the day.

Can we have a discussion on "How bad are prop strikes on the entire drive system"? I know power will effect the answer. I know shafts can be bent, couplers damaged, etc....and am looking for further education. So after a prop strike, what needs to be checked, watched, adjusted??

 

[boaterinsd]

Re: OMC Cobra vs. unknown object discussion

I am interested to see whats said for this. Did you get figured out the object hit? And or will you be as it might be good to prevent a future problem is yours was averted.

 

[tfitch03]

Re: OMC Cobra vs. unknown object discussion

No idea what I hit. I did call and report it to the marina so they can hopefully clean it up. This is a high traffic area with boats MUCH larger than mine going by. No doubt there will be more prop casualties if nothing is done.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: OMC Cobra vs. unknown object discussion

I killed my engine 2 times in 20 years with my 4.3 and OMC Cobra outdrive. Both times I did not bend the prop shaft but both times I did cause a seal leak on the prop shaft. Look closly for this. It was a minor gear lube drip but it will also let water in your lower unit if the seal is bad at all. Too much of that and your whole drive can be gone quick. Lower the unit and leave it like that for a day or two and see if anything comes out. Watch for signs of gear lube in the water when you launch.

 

[southkogs]

Re: OMC Cobra vs. unknown object discussion

It's not uncommon on the lake that I'm on to hit a rock if you're not careful. Not some sissy rock either, I mean a big 'un. I caught one last year and carved up a prop pretty good.

It's not something that you want to completely ignore, but if things are not leaking and there are no new noises you are probably fine. I pulled the drive up on mine, looked for anything that even indicated damage. Checked to see if it spun the hub. And then I idled around a little just making steerage. After I was fairly confident that things were working like they were supposed to I spooled the engine up and put the boat on plane. Just took the return to normal operations slow and listened for anything abnormal.

 

[tfitch03]

Re: OMC Cobra vs. unknown object discussion

Lowered the drive. I will look for signs of fluid in a couple days. I spun the prop around and everything seemed to be straight. I hope I made it out OK. I always said it is better to break a prop than the drive and maybe I did just that.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: OMC Cobra vs. unknown object discussion

I am guessing you might be good. You had an aluminum prop. I failed to state that mine was steel.