straightening a bent propeller

[LongJohnSilver]

When I was leaving my dock yesterday my prop hit part of a submerged wooden skid that previous homeowner had inconveniently placed on the bottom. The purpose of the skid was to elevate his boat, but that's another story entirely. Two of the three blades on my prop were bent. 40 HP 2 cycle 2 twin cylinder. The prop is aluminum and I put it on a vise and as best I could straighten it up. I realize a propeller theoretically should be balanced and I wonder if no matter how good a job I did straightening it, will it possibly damage the shaft? If I understand aluminum correctly, it is flexible, yet brittle and difficult to straighten precisely. I'm going to attempt a test run to see if there is any excessive vibration. I'm leaning towards getting a new prop, probably stainless steel and keeping the other one as an onboard spare.

 

[F_R]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

A new stainless one is a great investment. But your aluminum one can be straightened by a prop shop. It will come back looking like new, and just as good. If such a shop is not nearby, a marine repair shop can send it to one for you. Normally it won't cost you any more than taking it there yourself.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

you can not repair yourself, but buy a new prop, and have this one reconditioned. it is always good to have a spare. you just proved that.

these guys are the pro at props, http://www.custom-ps.com/

 

[LongJohnSilver]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

thanks for the advice. I didn't even consider a prop shop, I always assumed they only did work on very large props. Out of curiosity do you two have any idea of the approximate cost of having a prop reconditioned? Hopefully it will be considerably less than buying one.

 

[redfury]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

Depends on where you bring it. You can get a new prop and hub for around $80-90 for that sized motor ( I was just looking for my 25hp Johnson )

I've done some reading on prop repair and you really want to bring it to someone who knows what they are doing. Prop repair is not something that anyone with a heliarc welder can just do.

 

[rndn]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

I had a stainless repaired by thru Overton's and they charged $65 about 6 years ago. Aluminum should be cheaper than SS. As stated have yours fixed, buy a new one so you'll have a spare.

 

[Shamic]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

When I was leaving my dock yesterday my prop hit part of a submerged wooden skid that previous homeowner had inconveniently placed on the bottom. The purpose of the skid was to elevate his boat, but that's another story entirely. Two of the three blades on my prop were bent. 40 HP 2 cycle 2 twin cylinder. The prop is aluminum and I put it on a vise and as best I could straighten it up. I realize a propeller theoretically should be balanced and I wonder if no matter how good a job I did straightening it, will it possibly damage the shaft? If I understand aluminum correctly, it is flexible, yet brittle and difficult to straighten precisely. I'm going to attempt a test run to see if there is any excessive vibration. I'm leaning towards getting a new prop, probably stainless steel and keeping the other one as an onboard spare.

Not sure why you would want a stainless for this application (if you can even get one), but get yours straightened at a prop shop and get a spare as others have suggested. nothing ruins a weekend more than being without a prop

 

[Fireman431]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

A repair to my 15" for my 150 HP Johnson was only $80.00. A new aluminum was 135.00. Looks brnad new and is perfectly balanced.

On a side note...just got a S.S. prop from ebay for $9.99 + 12.00 shipping. Sometimes it pays to keep your eyes open

 

[JimOHoffmann]

Re: straightening a bent propeller

I have had good luck with Midwest Propeller Service in Kansas City.
I have used them for the past 4 years. It usually costs me 35 to 50 dollars, depending upon the amount of welding they have to do.
They have a website and an internet discount coupon.
I fish Reelfoot and have at least 1 damaged prop every trip.

Jim