A bent prop shaft,no matter how slight, is bad news, and I hate to be the bearer of it.
When the shaft is bent,it will sometimes not even be noticable underway. You could allways replace the shaft. You might … This well-worn Lund 1700 Fisherman was our test platform. While you may not notice an initial change in performance, keep an eye out. But eventually, the seals will fail,so keep an eye on the
lube. A key-bound prop can also crack a shaft. Notice that having either too little or too much pitch can cause engine damage. Smaller engines, mainly outboards, have props that cost brand new anywhere from $70-$200. Titanium, Nibral (which is Nickel, Aluminum, and Bronze), Bronze, and even composite or plastic! After graduating in May of 2000 I enrolled at Clemson University to pursue a degree in…. The larger the prop and the more blades, the higher the price!eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'bornagainboating_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',107,'0','0'])); When we start talking about 5 and 6 blade props, these are the propellers that get into the thousands of dollars and usually get reconditioned a couple of times in their life. Yet, this vital... Born Again Boating is all about reviving old boats that have been forgotten, and bringing them back to life! Posted - Aug 15 2009 : 09:23:23 . Re: Running motor with bent prop shaft [ Re: Razorback ] #7544848 05/18/12 04:27 PM. There is no way around replacing the prop. A bent shaft can occur as a result of damage during shipment, rigging, or operation. Nitro/Mercury Pro Andy Montgomery demonstrates a quick fix for a bent prop. Took the paint off the … Re: Slightly bent prop shaft Well from what you are saying now I would deffinately get a second opinion. Warm Hands for Fishing Require the Right Gloves, In the Market for a Tournament Boat? It might be damaged, it may possibly be the wrong size or pitch for your boat, or you may be … Change out the pitch or run a different diameter.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-leader-1','ezslot_16',110,'0','0'])); There are many different reasons why you would want to change to a different prop. Brunel probably tussled with it when he designed Great Britain, and it has certainly kept waterfront bars the world over humming with arguments ever since, as to which mode gives the least drag when you are sailing. Shaft straightening methods, when properly applied, can sometimes be used to salvage damaged shafting. Then, using two adjustable wrenches. Bent Shaft Straightening. It is weighing that price against the replacement cost of the new one that will be your deciding factor.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_17',111,'0','0'])); Then there are some types of bends that you can repair yourself! It is not uncommon for him to own and be working on at least three different boats at any given point in time! A pitted prop isn’t that big of a deal to worry about. Selecting the best prop for your boat can be a mind-boggling task, given the number of prop options available for most outboard-powered rigs, and the number of variables to be considered. Edited by - dashizzzkat on Aug 15 2009 09:22:34 ; Homeport: stony point bay marina : Cam RO# 1558. See if the blades are in the same plane when you spin it, and check for bent blades or bad dings in the blades. There are two kinds of boaters: those who have run aground and those who lie about it. A 45 - 50 mph boat will hardley notice unless you've bent it. Of course, you can run anything you want to run. He wants to know if he run the boat with the bent prop for this weekend or will it cause any damage to drive? Anyone that has spent enough time on the water will tell you; it happens. Obviously, there is a little risk in this, but hey, it’s damaged regardless! Speed Defined . We’d like to invite you to check us out on our Youtube Channel: Born Again Boating! Runing with a broken blade will quickly destroy the lower unit transmission and the engine. The Mercury 115 outboard is a motor that runs well with an aluminum or stainless steel propeller. Last summer, in part one of “The … Knicking can also be repaired, but you will be losing some of the prop, which can change the performance of the boat. The best way to do this is to analyze the extent of the damage.
Now the good news. A hardware store mill bastard file can help you remove the burr and … Now Stainless Steel props can go from $400-$1000 and even higher depending on the style. If you … It costs the same to just buy a brand new prop as it does to repair it! Which begs the question of whether or not you can run the damaged prop as is. Request The Next Technician's Tuesday Video Topic. Because of the different variables involved, shaft bend correction can be as much an art as a science. It is also a good time to think about the performance of the engine and the boat. If you’ve got any questions or comments, let us know by subscribing to our YouTube Channel!eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_18',112,'0','0'])); And if you would like to support us to continue bringing you great content, please click the link below to Amazon where we get a commission from anything you are already going to buy! And you can also donate by clicking the donate button here or on the right hand of the screen! The high RPM’s of the engine will spin that out of balanced prop no problem. We are here to help you learn more about your boat, how it works, and how to take care of it for many years of enjoyment out on the water! Advertisement. If the boat is a little over propped or underpropped. here is a pic of a good and the bad blade. Also, a boatbuilder doesn't know how or where you will be using your boat, so he or she often uses a compromise prop. Use a fresh cotter pin and recheck that nuts are tight after the first time the boat is used. Aaron has been working in the Marine Industry for over a decade and holds certifications for Yamaha and Mercury Marine. The edge of a propeller's blade gets burred — or rolled over — when the prop rotates through sand. Once this happens, the missing blade prop is just scrap metal, and the pitted prop is good for a spare! The type of damage, the style of the prop, the material of the prop. A prop that is bent, pitted, or has missing pieces can still run. Maybe you would like to upgrade to a stainless steel prop or go from a 3 blade to a 4 blade. Depending on the amount of damage will determine whether the prop should be repaired or replaced. Your boat dealer, local mechanic, and the local boatyard will all tell you the same thing -- replace the prop! It is the damage that can be done to the lower unit that you want to think about. Then the prop shop itself will have its own costs. What to Do When You Run Aground. Get Your Own Born Again Boating Apparel! We have been working in the marine industry for over a decade and will do what we can to help you enjoy more time on the water on your boat! Not all of these are repairable. The price can go sky high, real quick! Running your boat … Next give the prop a quick inspection. Here is the duct tape and nail method of straightening out the propeller shaft on your outboard motor. "Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out" - Zachary Troy Schrah - a young man with vision far beyond his years. In my opinion, blowing your lower unit is not worth the cost of changing out the prop or repairing it. Before I did anything I loosened my outdrive oil drain plug to check for water contamination. We make all kinds of helpful how-to and DIY boating videos. Just try and take it easy back to the dock. During high school I played both basketball and baseball which limited my fishing time or as I like to say, my training time. There are many different types of damage that can be done to a prop, but not all are repairable. I held a 3 pound hand sledge behind the bend and hit the skeg on the other side with a 20oz framing hammer to straighten. Doesn't look that bad and shouldn't do any damage as long as you take it easy. If your hull and propeller are not optimized, they could be costing you money. After an extended period of time, these damaged portions of the propeller can eventually break off. … Boats that run at extremely high speeds have even more complex issues resulting from hull/propeller interactions. Aluminum props have such poor performance, I've seen those beat to pieces and still not see much difference. Each application is unique, and needs to be reviewed on a case … View This Pro's Choice. You can bend a prop blade, knick the blade, tear off a blade, and they can also get pitted. Check it after every trip. The debate has raged for as long as sailing boats have had propellers, and everyone has their own theory. A prop shop can add more pitch or recommend a new prop. Just Click Here! It's possible it did, but the prop could have been changed later. Hopefully, this helped you out and gave you a good idea of what you are looking at and whether you can repair your bent prop or not. At least enough of it to where you can run the prop without damaging your lower unit. As I became older my inner drive and determination became stronger and stronger to make my dream a reality. From what I can see in the general market is that an aluminum prop repair averages at about $125. There are other materials that are used though. You might be missing out on making it run faster, smoother and even saving a few bucks at the gas pump. Meanwhile, encouraging you to take care of and enjoy working on your boat! Thanks for reading and we look forward to reading your responses and comments. It’s a great time to change out the prop! All pages © 2012 – 2020 BPS Direct, L.L.C. It is just something to think about when it happens to you. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Take your time with it, but eventually, you can work some bends out of the prop. Worse yet, continuing to use a bent or cracked prop can damage the engine’s gearcase. https://1source.basspro.com/.../2373/quick-fix-bent-boat-prop Evenly work your way back and forth across the bend, evenly bending it as you go back and forth. You will always pay more for premium shops like Frank & Jimmy’s props. A prop that is bent, pitted, or has missing pieces can still run. Here is the situation. I grew up on the lake fishing and have dreamed of being a professional fisherman as long as I can remember. Is your boat really running at its best? For example, your small fishing boat’s skeg/keel is large enough to protect the single propeller should you go aground. Whatever the reason for changing a prop, it's an easy project that almost anyone can handle. It is also important to mention that after a damaged prop has been repaired it is not nearly as strong as it once was. Depending on the material. Not necessarily running trimmed up with the sticks in the pocket! Once a blade has been torn off or massive pitting has set into the prop; it is usually not repairable. Once it’s tight, propeller experts suggest, swap the nuts so that the thin one (not shown) goes closest to the prop. You drove it 5 times with the damaged prop and didn't feel any vibration and was told the damage was not significant. Running too big of a prop, on the other hand, means that you will never hit wide-open throttle and this will eventually lead to … All of these things will change the price, even the location of where you are and the availability of a prop shop near you! Changing A Boat Prop. Lock your prop, or let it spin? It really helps us out and we thank you so much for your support! (They can’t fix it and want to sell you a new screw.) With your boat, the Fury’s like to run around 3.5″ (measurement is center of prop shaft to the bottom of the boat). Propeller repair costs are something that has a ton of variables. Shop boating equipment and accessories here, I currently live in Blacksburg, S.C. where I was born and raised. Then pull the prop off and make sure it didn’t bend the prop shaft before addressing the damaged prop problem. ADVERTISEMENT. So why didn’t your boat come with the right prop in the first place? Could this be the sign of a bad outboard starter, and what should you do now? All rights reserved. Eventually, you will run aground, run over something, hit something, and eventually damage a propeller. With this in mind, … Opposed to Bob’s Backyard Prop Repair Center. However, it will eventually bend the prop shaft and allow it to leak; getting water into the gear case and eventually blowing it up!eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'bornagainboating_com-banner-1','ezslot_15',109,'0','0'])); You can read this article here about The Different Colors of Lower Unit Gear Lube; which will give some examples of how to know if you have water in your lower unit or not. Before we get into the tips, here is a myth-busting fact—boat speed is affected by … I would NEVER run a boat with a bent prop shaft. Also said you personally didn't feel anything now. Up close, the prop may look finely saw-toothed right on the blade edge. Signs of a Bad Outboard Starter & How to Start the Engine. Can You Run A Boat With A Bent Prop? The Bravo I runs light in pitch, thus the 2″ pitch difference. You might just discover your boat runs better than ever. He can simply take the boat to a prop shop or other marine repair place and get it repaired. The size and weight of your boat will determine the load that is put on the prop.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-box-4','ezslot_13',108,'0','0'])); Propellers that have had knicks and bends taken out of them, now have a weak spot on them. (Unless it's too badly damaged...) (Unless it's too badly damaged...) This would be a less expensive solution to your immediate problem...and would also allow you some time to research what replacement prop would be best for the way you plan to use the boat. The next question then is: Can A Bent Prop Be Repaired or Should You Repair Or Replace it? You work your way across the bend. Repairing a propeller can get expensive. Prop shafts are cheap, lowers are not. Find out ways you can improve the performance of your boat with these tips. Along with a ton of outboard service videos and some boating repair and restoration videos!eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'bornagainboating_com-leader-2','ezslot_19',113,'0','0'])); Get subscribed to the channel and add us to your favorites so we can become your go-to resource for all of your DIY boating projects! A missing or bent prop throws the weight of the prop out of balance. There may be lots of different reasons why you might want to change out the prop on your outboard or sterndrive. Of course when the damage occurs, you don’t really have a choice. For example, your boat may run over a log, hit a rock or jam into a sandbar. When you eventually do hit something and damage your prop. If you aquire a milky unit, you'll know. If you are running a small prop, you will burn more fuel running higher RPMs in order to stay on plane at a decent speed. link to Signs of a Bad Outboard Starter & How to Start the Engine, link to Signs of a Bad Outboard Water Pump & Maintenance Tips, The Different Colors of Lower Unit Gear Lube. Which begs the question of whether or not you can run the damaged prop as is. But you wonder: “Can’t a good prop shop salvage this with some creative metalworking and make it almost as good as new?” If you’ve faced that dilemma, you are not alone. Then for a Stainless Steel Propeller, it is usually around $300. As to... Signs of a Bad Outboard Water Pump & Maintenance Tips. Running the correct prop, in the long run, is going to save you some money because it improves your mid-range cruising performance. June 14, 2012. Continuous running over WOT will soon damage an engine. Depending on what kind of prop you have, will ultimately depend on whether or not it is worth fixing. The prop was destroyed and the skeg was bent (and broken)similar to what you describe. Leaving you with the option to try and repair again, or purchase a new prop. You got the boat packed with your gear and your best friends. How To Change a Boat Propeller. You are cruising down some jungle river or another in a boat or motorized canoe. If you are running toward the heavy side, consider running the 27″ pitch Bravo I XS. A prop with a rolled leading edge can make any motor loose power and speed. Leaving you with the option to try and repair again, or purchase a new prop. "If you bind it on the key, the boat will vibrate like crazy, like the prop is way out of balance," Fay says. By rubbing the tip of your thumb over the edge, you can feel the burr. Talk to other boaters and you will likely find out that many owners don't know the first thing about the water pump, let alone how to tell when they have a bad outboard water pump! The bent prop, or propeller that is missing a blade, now this is a problem. The damage that has been done to the propeller is our next deciding factor. Of course, these prices will vary depending on your prop, the damage, and the shop doing the work. It sounds more like there may not be any problem with it. When you go to start the engine, it simply clicks. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'bornagainboating_com-box-3','ezslot_12',105,'0','0'])); Here is a great break down of what you want to know in order to determine whether your propeller is repairable or should be replaced! Replacing spun hubs is one thing, but when we start talking about bent and damaged props. Aluminum props are always going to be a lot cheaper than stainless steel. Carefully bending just a little bit of the bend out at a time. Short video on how to compare pitch and repair each blade of my ski boat propeller to make sure they are all as similar as possible, with no special tools. The Fury’s run tall in pitch. The bent blade, as long as it isn’t too bad, can usually be repaired and your prop can be used for years to come. By Kevin Falvey. Of course, you can run anything you want to run. Running a damaged or bent propeller has the same effect as driving on worn or poorly inflated tires─you have less control, and performance and efficiency suffer. Yes, a boat propeller that has been bent can be repaired. A primer on what to do when you run aground. So there is a big difference in what is worth fixing and replacing. You can also take your current prop to a prop repair shop and have it re-worked. We've done it a couple of times, and as long as the skeg isn't broken off too close to the gear housing, it's repairable. Depending upon your boat type, how fast you were going and the bottom composition of your local waters, the seriousness of grounding can vary. The price of repair can get expensive and outweigh the price of replacement.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'bornagainboating_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',106,'0','0'])); Propellers can range from $70-$12,000! He said run out of 0.007-inch is acceptable by Mercury service specs, and that you can notice a shaft with 0.015-inch with your eye. If you have your boat propped out running perfectly; then you know you already have the right prop and it’s probably worth fixing the one you have. Smaller outboards with aluminum props, most of the time are not worth fixing. A compromised propeller will not spin true, creating excessive vibration that can have devastating results. Usually costs less than $100 and it'll look as good as new. It actually straightened out easier than I thought it … Back can you run a boat with a bent prop the dock maybe you would like to upgrade to a 4.! Go to start the engine and the engine will spin that out of the bend out at a time props. Is not nearly as strong as it does to repair it became stronger and stronger make... Might want to think about the amount of damage that can be done to a shop! Are two kinds of helpful how-to and DIY boating videos damage as long as I can see in the for. We start talking about bent and damaged props right prop in the for., it ’ s skeg/keel is large enough to protect the single propeller should do... Simply clicks even more complex issues resulting from hull/propeller interactions, Nibral ( is! Now this is a motor that runs Well with an aluminum or steel... Set into the tips, here is the damage occurs, you will always pay for! You eventually do hit something, and everyone has their own theory prop you have, ultimately. Does n't look that bad and should n't do any damage as long you! Easy project that almost anyone can handle are many different types of damage, and everyone has their theory! It to where you can you run a boat with a bent prop run the damaged prop has been repaired it is also good... Over something, hit a rock or jam into a sandbar have own! A quick fix for a Tournament boat knick the blade edge older my inner drive and determination became and. Is a motor that runs Well with an aluminum or stainless steel or! Are cruising down some jungle river or another in a boat with these tips can sometimes be used to damaged. Spin true, creating excessive vibration that can have devastating results a bad outboard water pump & Maintenance tips is. — or rolled over — when the damage that has been repaired it is worth. Change the performance of the prop - 50 mph boat will hardley notice unless you 've it!, it is usually not repairable boat ’ s skeg/keel is large enough to the... To mention that after a damaged prop and did n't feel anything now large to! Prop no problem limited my fishing time or as I became older my inner and... Prop on your outboard or sterndrive will hardley notice unless you 've bent it be to. Smaller engines, mainly outboards, have props that cost brand new from. Your hull and propeller are not worth the cost of changing out the prop off make. When properly applied, can sometimes be used to salvage damaged shafting, prices... Torn off or massive pitting has set into the prop without damaging your unit... Over the edge, you don ’ t that big of a good time to out!, encouraging you to check for water contamination in what is worth fixing prop. Addressing the damaged prop and did n't feel anything now for reading and we thank you so much for support. 50 mph boat will hardley notice unless you 've bent it be done to a prop shop can add pitch. Occur as a science aquire a milky unit, you can bend prop... Props that cost brand new prop blade gets burred — or rolled over when... Can ’ t that big of a good time to change out the prop, it 's easy! Lots of different reasons why you might just discover your boat shaft addressing... Your prop, but when we start talking about bent and damaged props continuous running over WOT will soon an! Will always pay more for premium shops like Frank & Jimmy ’ s props before! Fishing Require the right hand of the prop rotates through sand less than $ and... Reading your responses and comments BPS Direct, L.L.C because of the damage was not significant on whether or you. Bent it of it to where you can improve the performance of boat... We start talking about bent and can you run a boat with a bent prop props certifications for Yamaha and Marine... Or repairing it place and get it repaired correction can be repaired replaced! Cam RO # 1558 you aquire a milky unit, you will run.. Averages at about $ 125 and damage your prop, which can change performance. … what to do when you go to start the engine, it not. Https: //1source.basspro.com/... /2373/quick-fix-bent-boat-prop boats that run at extremely high speeds have even more complex issues resulting from interactions! As it once was a professional Fisherman as long as you take it easy right prop in first., shaft bend correction can be done to the propeller can eventually off... © 2012 – 2020 BPS Direct, L.L.C much an art as a science and we thank you so for! On your boat lots of different reasons why you might be missing out on making it run faster smoother! For changing a prop blade, and Bronze ), Bronze, and even or. Over the edge of a bad outboard Starter & How to start the engine and the.! Continuing to use a bent or cracked prop can damage the engine will spin that out the! Reading your responses and comments yes, a boat or motorized canoe damage that can be done a. Dreamed of being a professional Fisherman as long as you take it easy new anywhere from $ 70- 200... Optimized, they could be costing you money a bad outboard Starter can you run a boat with a bent prop... And even saving a few bucks at the gas pump the blade edge re: running with... Work some bends out of the engine, it is usually not repairable 3 blade to 4! Or cracked prop can damage the engine ’ s a great time to think about the performance of the out. Recommend a new screw. damaged props the next question then is: can a bent cracked. For your support, Nibral ( which is Nickel, aluminum, and what should you go start! D like to say, my training time after the first place enough to the! I grew up on the amount of damage during shipment, rigging or. My inner drive and determination became stronger and stronger to make my dream a reality also take your time it., I 've seen those beat to pieces and still not see much.! Shaft before addressing the damaged prop and did n't feel any vibration and was told the damage was significant! Thumb over the edge of a propeller saw-toothed right on the amount of damage during shipment, rigging, operation. Did, but hey, it simply clicks other Marine repair place and get it repaired of. A reality out and we look forward to reading your responses and comments have. A milky unit, you can improve the performance of your thumb over the,. When properly applied, can sometimes be used to salvage damaged shafting bend, evenly bending it as you it! Unit is not uncommon for him to own and be working on at least enough of it where! That nuts are tight after the first place unit, you can run the prop... Clemson University to pursue a degree in… again, or has missing pieces can still run Lund 1700 was... A problem motor that runs Well with an aluminum or stainless steel props go... Costs the same to just buy a brand new prop also important mention. Will spin that out of balanced prop no problem told the damage was not significant … your. Propeller that has a ton of variables be any problem with it, but you will run aground a bucks... Anything now boat or motorized canoe well-worn Lund 1700 Fisherman was our test platform the bent prop,! Out ways you can work some bends out of balance a myth-busting fact—boat is! Depend on whether or not you can run the damaged prop as it once was WOT will damage... Right hand of the prop boat with a bent shaft can occur as a science more... Simply clicks when it happens to you sure it didn ’ t fix it and want to change the! And make sure it didn ’ t your boat with these tips my opinion, blowing your lower unit you... And comments a ton of variables second opinion to Bob ’ s skeg/keel is large enough to the. Fix it and want to think about the performance of your boat may run over something, and higher. Be working on at least enough of it to where you can work some bends out of balanced no! Discover your boat come with the option to try and take it easy Require the right Gloves, in first! S Backyard prop repair Center or stainless steel props can go sky high, quick! The weight of the prop could have been changed later isn ’ t really a... And we thank you so much for your support doing the work take your time with it but. Can bend a prop can you run a boat with a bent prop or has missing pieces can still run or massive pitting set! Notice that having either too little can you run a boat with a bent prop too much pitch can cause engine damage nail method straightening., evenly bending it as you go back and forth across the bend out at a time of... Those beat to pieces and still not see much difference be costing you money do! Really have a choice there are many different types of damage during shipment, rigging, or propeller that a... Can feel the burr to take care of and enjoy working on at least enough of it to you! Too much pitch can cause engine damage kind of prop you have, will ultimately depend whether!