a couple quick questions

[phillid]

Fellow PN members, up here in Northern Wisconsin we are coming to the end of my first season with an inboard. a few questions:
1. A few weeks ago my prop bumped a gravel bar and put some small dings in the prop tips. Since then I put on around 10 more hours of run time. I very rarely go above 30 mph and do mostly cruising, tubing and surfing. At higher speed (above 25mph) I have a vibration and am sure the prop is causing this. Question is could running with bent tips at slower speeds (but weighted down surfing) cause other damage to occur in the drive system? It seems the vibration has gotten worse and concerned that I now could have other problems.

2. Better to change the oil and other fluids now (before winter) or next spring?

[ScooterMcgavin]

I would say yes that any vibration from a damaged prop left on a boat can and will cause more damage to other parts.
It's always best to remove a damaged prop as soon as possible. Try and keep a spare so your ready to swap it out. Get you a nice prop puller too and be ready for it.

[scottb7]

I would say it depends on the magnitude of the vibration. If only slight then don't worry about it immediately but agree should fix.

On the other item, purists will say to layover with clean fluids. Truth is none of us will live long enough for it to matter.

[shag]

I would bet that the 'bent tips' may have gotten just a tad worse - causing a slight increase in vibration, but it is possible to do more damage. Bottom line, always get it trued as soon as you can. I would say Adrian and change before you lay up.. Just my .02