Took a chunk out of prop, now I have a shake.

[Redflash316]

So had the boat out on the river and hit a stump or something and it took a chunk out of my prop( stainless). Got the boat back to launch but the was a vibration at around 3k rpm that went away as I got to max speed and I could barely tell. It's a inboard OMC cobra 5.0 There was no other obvious damage besides the damage to 1 of the blades. I couldn't turn the prop by hand in neutral when I got the boat on the trailer, could the shaft be bent as well? Can I check this at home? Or is this just a prop issue? Any help would be great and thanks!!

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[dwco5051]

If you hit somthing hard enough to take a chunk out of a stainless prop and it also won't freewheel in neutraI I would suspect there is damage in your lower end.as well as a bent shaft.

 

[Scott Danforth]

most likely your prop shaft is twisted and bent. you may have taken out a gear or two as well.

 

[Redflash316]

Ok the prop turns freely in neutral, had it gear, so I'm going to put my backup on and hopefully it's ok. You guys have any pointers on what I should check before putting it back into the water? It seemed to run fine after it got hit but there was a little vibration at medium speed......I'm hoping that was just cause the prop was banged up.

 

[gm280]

Sounds like time to have your prop repaired. Yes stainless steel props can be repaired and re-balanced. So that should be your next idea.