Rocks vs prop and lower unit Motor runs rough now

[HelixBoat]

Motor: 1983 Mercury 50HP stroke el
Well I hate to say it, I have been fishing this lake
For years. Decide to venture down further than I have before. I was going full woot and hit a unmarked rock bed. I thought it was going to rip the motor off. The shank is still alive, slight bend, one fin on the prop is badly damaged. The worst part is there is a rock embedded into the gear case. The motor got shaken hard. Thank goodness for the pressure relief in the trim as the motor came up due to the impact.

Had to get out of the boat and walk it off the rock bed.

I will get pictures. I would assume something had to bend?
The weird part is the motor started after but didn't sound the same. It needed the throttle to be throttled up to start. At full throttle no shakes but it limped home. It sounded like the engine wouldn't go full woot after. We lost all power basically it slowly got us to launch. The bottom of the boat is fine.

Very angry at myself as it was dangerous and could of been worse.

 

[GA_Boater]

A rock is embedded in the lower unit, the prop is mangled and you want to know why the motor won't go "full woot"?

 

[HelixBoat]

No Title

Yeah I figured as much. Took some pictures, top plug wire got disconnected as well.

It seems a new lower unit will be needed. The prop moves freely in neutral but has a scrap as it turns.

It's bad, it will be a lesson learned which I did not want to happen. Now I have to find a used lower unit.

 

[jimmbo]

It was tough enough to get you home even though it was damaged beyond repair

 

[Scott Danforth]

that damage looks familiar. Dad hit a submerged rock island in spring of 1985 with his new Bass Tracker, sheering off the lower unit. we went back 2 weeks later when the water was 2' lower, picked up the lower half of the lower unit to salvage the prop.

depending on if you are leaking gear oil or not, you may be able to have your lower repaired, however I would be looking for a new lower.

 

[jrttoday]

just when we think.... "this is one too many nightmares for a Lifetime" there's more bad news. That might not be the case here - imho, definitely would look "some" for a new/used one, but would not invest YET.
Not without "investigating" the damage to this one more thoroughly. If it doesn't leak - and even if it is - that one can be welded up. Is the hub of the prop true; or is the bushing shot? How does it turn with the prop off? Might be the shaft is bent and they can be straightened at a good machine shop; or replaced if necessary

You can weigh the costs and inconvenience of doing these things, but I know a lot of people trade cars when all they needed was a radiator cap!!
Check your lu oil for metal. I speak from experience, so don't beat yourself up, and I've seen many attempt WOT with other issues present. The delusion that it magically fixed itself :facepalm: :lol::lol:

 

[HelixBoat]

Thanks guys, took the rock out, it doesn't leak at all. I will have to remove the prop and see if anything is bent. I have found a few used ones out here in Canada. People want $800 for a used one which I think is really steep.