Prop Repair

[orion25]

This weekend I was getting some vibration while running at about 1,250 RPM's & up. Inspected the prop and realized there are 2 chunks missing out of one of the 3 blades. Each "chunk" is about 1.5" ling and .5" deep. It kind of looks like an elongated "W". The boat is a 2007 Larson 208 LXi with a 5.0 MPI & Alpha 1. I have no idea what I hit but after I noticed the damage I did not run it over 3,000 RPM for fear of doing more damage.

So, should I try to get this one fixed or should I upgrade to a Stainless 3 or 4 blade prop? I am not sure what pitch I have right now so I will save that question for later. Also, what is the range in $$ that a prop repair can cost. By repair I mean fixing the blade only. I will remove @ reinstall it.

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop Repair

Prop Repairs usually run about 1/2 the price of a replacement.......

 

[orion25]

Re: Prop Repair

Thanks for the info!

Now, should I repair or replace? What would you do in my situation?

 

[magster65]

Re: Prop Repair

Get a new stainless prop and keep your other as a 'get ya' home' spare.

 

[orion25]

Re: Prop Repair

Get a new stainless prop and keep your other as a 'get ya' home' spare.

Good thinking. Now I have a way to justify the new prop expense to the first mate. I thought I had messed up by telling her that they could be repaired. We have a friend with a machine shop so I am going to let him try to fix the old one but now it will be the spare. I hope to bring the boat home this weekend for the winter (it is kept in dry storage). I am going to install the smart tabs I have had for a couple of months, install a new helm stereo remote, clean it up and possibly put the old stereo remote on the transom. I will most likely have it winterized by the dealer since it is still under warranty and I do not want the work questioned in the event of a problem. Also It needs all fluids changed since it is at roughly 20 hours.

I am sure I will be posting a "which SS prop" question as soon as I get it home and figure out what is on it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Prop Repair

You might also check the inner hub on your damaged prop.
Perhaps your friend with the shop can do that, but maybe not.
A new prop sounds like a great idea, in any case. Good luck!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Prop Repair

Propeller blade repair needs to be done using a pitch block to get the pitch correct. Just welding in a patch is not going to make it right.

 

[domains]

Re: Prop Repair

I would keep the spare prop close , but don't install, only if you loose main prop.

 

[orion25]

Re: Prop Repair

The repaired prop will be just a back-up. I will be getting a SS prop to replace it. Since I have 5 or so months to save up the $$ I have decided SS is the way to go. Now I just have to find out what size my current (damaged) prop is and what size 3 or 4 blade SS prop I need. I should have more info tuesday afternoon since I am bringing the boat home for the winter............