How much prop damage is too much?

[SkiTundra]

This evening I found some gravel. 2 adjacent fins on my prop (stock 211 prop) got bent about 45 degrees maybe 1/4" to 1/2" in from the edge. There is maybe a very slight vibration (kind of like slight cavitation). Is something like this safe to ski on for a day or is shaft or other damage likely and I should either skip anything tomorrow or try to borrow a prop puller from someone?

Thanks,

[DanielC]

RE: How much prop damage is too much?

I would get a spare propeller, and drop off the bent one to get repaired.

[SkiTower]

I'd hate to damage my boat from a vibration. I've always gotten back to shore and then had it fixed.

And I've never regretted investing in a prop puller! Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[SkiTundra]

Thanks. I've got a spare prop but keep forgetting to pick up a prop puller and not sure if I'll be able to find one on Labor Day.

[DanielC]

Sometimes you can loosen the prop nut, and then put the cotter pin back in.
Launch the boat, put it in reverse, and the prop might come loose.

[AuMDLST]

Since you have the spare prop - go ahead and get the damaged one off with a block of wood and hammer

[Mikeski]

Me... As long as the vibration was not too bad I would hit the water and enjoy my weekend then swap the prop out later. Also, no harm in getting a couple hammers and doing a little prop reshaping yourself. I have saved many weekends that would have otherwise been lost by bending back a folded prop edge on my boat or a buddies. It's unlikely you will do more damage than the prop has already sustained.

[SkiTundra]

Thanks all. 2 questions.

1 - How difficult to hammer the prop back a bit? Is there potential of damaging the shaft or anything? I assume I'd need to either hold a block of wood on the backside or try to wedge it in between the trailer and fin? Possible to do it with maybe some vice grips or too hard?

2 - Never tried to pull a prop without a puller. How difficult is it with a hammer and wood block?

Thanks all,

[Mikeski]

#1. Not hard at all but don't expect perfection. Use a large hammer like a single jack as an anvil behind the surface you are re-working. Use a standard flat faced hammer to work on the face of the prop. Little to no possibility of damaging the shaft.

#2 Can be done, I have done it but will probably never do it again. It's tough enough to get them off with a puller. You have a higher likelihood of damaging the shaft trying to get it off with a hammer than trying to straighten it while it's on with a hammer.

go for it

[SkiTundra]

Thanks Mike, I'll give it a try.

[SkiTundra]

Well, pulled the boat out and a few minutes with some channel locks took care of it. Much easier to work with than I expected. Amazingly soft material. Nice smooth running boat for the day. Thanks Mikeski and everyone esle!