Bent the props

askieffer · **Posted:** Sun Sep 15, 2013 6:41 pm

Well, we were enjoying what was probably the last weekend of the season. We decided to pull up to the rock island and let the kids jump off. I slowly eased up and carefully held the boat off the rocks. When we left, I had a lot of vibration and found the I had put a bend in two prob blades about an inch from the end. No nicks or scratches, just bent. I guess a wave from a passing boat was enough to move it and bend the props. I didn't notice anything violent but I guess it doesn't take much. Limped back to the dock and made arrangements to have it pulled out.

Can props be repaired or am I better to replace? Factory props and I have no clue what to look for.

Oh, pulled the car in the garage with the Yakima roof box on when I got home, they are surprisingly flexible but make a heck of a racket. Not the best day at the lake, should have stayed home.

taz42169 · **Posted:** Sun Sep 15, 2013 7:06 pm

Are they aluminum or stainless steel?

Props can be repaired (tuned up) depending on how badly they were damaged. This sometimes involves heating them up. When metal is heated, it becomes weaker. You may be able to place a claim through your insurance company if they can't be fixed.

Just a few thoughts...

askieffer · **Posted:** Sun Sep 15, 2013 7:17 pm

They are stainless and not bent very far out.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

They can be repaired....not a big deal...with a minor bend like that its unlikely any additional damage occurred. Your right to get them repaired right away..the vibration will cause issues.
You can pull them off and a prop shop will have them like new in no time.

taz42169 · **Posted:** Mon Sep 16, 2013 2:50 pm

TX H210SS wrote:

They can be repaired....not a big deal...with a minor bend like that its unlikely any additional damage occurred. Your right to get them repaired right away..the vibration will cause issues.
You can pull them off and a prop shop will have them like new in no time.

+1

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

I've bent all 3 blades on the front prop at the beginning of last year. I got it repaired and now use it as my spare. You should keep spare props and the prop tool on the boat. Don't want to get stranded. I know what you mean about nursing her back with bent props.

My bent prop thread

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9377&hilit=prop

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:38 pm

Now I'm not sure if this applies to the newer Volvo DP drives but on the SX series and the older AQ style drives if you did not remove the props and grease the shaft splines once a year they could get corroded in place. Good end of season maintenance....

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

LouC wrote:

Now I'm not sure if this applies to the newer Volvo DP drives but on the SX series and the older AQ style drives if you did not remove the props and grease the shaft splines once a year they could get corroded in place. Good end of season maintenance....

Yup, I do it every year. Going to replace my impeller this year too as part of routine maintenance

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Sep 16, 2013 9:32 pm

BTW the best water proof grease I have ever used in salt water is OMC/Bombardier Triple Guard Grease. That stuff is like magic in salt water. I use it on the prop shaft, drive shaft splines and even on my Jeeps that get driven on the beach.

Jafo4U · **Joined:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:33 am **Posts:** 1026

The dealer bent a prop when my boat was being delivered so they took them off and UPS them to my house good as new. Going to check out that OMC grease since it's about time I pull my props again.

www.iFourWinns.com

Bent the props

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