2 bent props!

[jwanck11]

This past weekend was loads of fun - except for the bent props! First bent prop was really bad - all of the blades were folded real good. Vibration was pretty bad, but we were able to get it on the trailer and out of the water.

Bought and put on another new prop for the next morning. My luck... took her off the trailer and as soon as I eased the throttle forward, the vibration was horrible! I actually dove into the water and felt one of the tips had folded. We were only 25' into the water with the new prop!! Got her back out of the water and saw that 2 tips were bent pretty good. Was so upset, went to work and bent them myself! Put it back on and we were able to at least go out and pull a tube and a few skiiers. Could not go above 3000 RPM as the vibration was horrid. Underneath the 3K "barrier," it was livable. Sent both props to the shop to be repaired. I only hope that running around on that much vibration did not do more harm than not...

I dont think the shaft or strut are bent - they looked OK to me but time and the repaired props will tell. I sure am hoping that all is well when the props come back. Will know more next week.

[billspin]

2 props in one outing. That really hurts. What on earth were you hitting to cause the damage?

[CP3]

Dang that really SUX what did you hit?

[Fit to be Tige]

Was your tide way out?? We had a really low tide yesterday, but Monday was ok.

[brody66]

What does it cost you guys to have your props rebuilt? I tacoed one last year, nothing super bad but did vibrate kinda bad, they charged me 300 to rebuild it, is that as bad as i think it was?

[dogbert]

That's pretty high.

[Waterski-Rebel]

Our local shop charges $120-130 to fix a torn or bent prop.

[jwanck11]

Honestly I am not sure what I hit... Could have been quite a few things. I think I may have got into some floating clam beds with the first or some structure in pretty shallow waters (4-7') - unfortunately the upper Chesapeake Bay and rivers are super shallow.

Anyone know what the average draw is for our boats?

The second all I can guess is some rocks upon launching. The bends were severe in angle, but the brass was not chewed. Odd to say the least.

I am glad though that the props give easily - a bent shaft is something that I want to avoid at all costs if I can.

Total fix cost will be $106 per prop with a 30% discount for giving them 2 props. They are being sent to Millers Island. From what I understand, they do much of the east coast work for ACME props.

[chpthril]

Thats sucks dude

[brody66]

I hit something monday going through a channel and the depth gauge said 2.0 ft, that is on my 20v, but i think that something was shallower than that because it said 2.0 for about 15 ft and i only nicked something, but i sure hate that sound no matter how loud it is.

[dogbert]

Hey, it could be worse. I hit a submerged floating log in 90' of water. While surfing. $1700 later, I was back on the water.

Bent shaft, strut, rudder and prop. A total trifecta!

[jwanck11]

Was your tide way out?? We had a really low tide yesterday, but Monday was ok.

yeah, it was! Sunday was low all day but Monday was perfect. Have to find tide tables for our area...

[dogbert]

yeah, it was! Sunday was low all day but Monday was perfect. Have to find tide tables for our area...

Sounds like it may be a good idea to float your boat off the trailer and push it until the water's deeper. Otherwise, find a new ramp.

[da.bell]

Hey, it could be worse. I hit a submerged floating log in 90' of water. While surfing. $1700 later, I was back on the water.

Bent shaft, strut, rudder and prop. A total trifecta!

Now that would suck.

[dogbert]

Now that would suck.

The only thing that made it suck less was that my State Farm agent was on the boat and witnessed it. I got everything covered, including a new prop. I fixed the damage one at my expense.