Dinged Prop, vibration etc.

[Flux]

I put the prop into some stiff clay mud with a few rocks in it this weekend. Bent a couple tips on the stock SANTE 02 Prop which I am assuming is the Acme 536.

Anyway, got some bad vibration so we idled back to the launch and pulled the boat. I got some pliers and a rag and started working the tips back on the prop. Just paying attention to the edge shape and matching one that looked undinged for the most part. I guess i did alright with it because the vibration went away except for when we have the boat loaded down (stock +900lbs) and go for the hole shot. Boat vibrates at about 3600 RPM so I only keep it there for a second and let off, kind of right before it planes and PP beeps to take over. Is this somewhat normal?? For a dinged up prop to maybe have problems with wieght at a certain RPM?? Unweighted or on plane the prop seemed absolutely fine.

Anyway, was thinking of ordering up an Acme 644 and getting the dinged one trued and keep it for a spare. I read the review, seems like a good prop for my ballast range and we do a bit of cruising as well.

[FatBoy]

RE: Dinged Prop, vibration etc.

I dinged mine last season and went thru basicly the same thing you did. I ran it the rest of the year with only the small amount of vibration. During winter I sent it off and had it redone $100.00, works great now no vibration. The guy at the shop told me that while you can get them close and where they look good that the pitch angle on one blade being slightly different and not detectible by eye would cause this. The rework came back looking like a new prop.

[Flux]

RE: Dinged Prop, vibration etc.

Thanks for the info FatBoy. It was really bad after I dinged it, vibrating at any takeoff RPM. Bending back the tips helped alot but I knew there was no way I got it perfect. Luckily only vibration at one point in the hole shot and it only lasted a few seconds until I let off. My handy work did save the weekend. I am still hesitant to run the boat with vibration like that for anything longer than a Sunday morning session, I fear I could beat down the drive train is some manner, not really worth the risk and I have a few weeks to get a prop and deal with the change out.

It's crazy how soft that Nibral is, it did not take that much force to bend the trailing tips back, but some of the curvature of the trailing edge was out of wack.

[ag4ever]

RE: Dinged Prop, vibration etc.

They bend really easy, but I would rather they bend than the shaft bend.

Running with vibration can hurt more than your drivetrain. It can loosen the fastners on the entire boat, so get it fixed ASAP.

[surroundsound64]

RE: Dinged Prop, vibration etc.

Definately don't delay in getting it fixed.

[Flux]

RE: Dinged Prop, vibration etc.

Right on, and thanks for the warnings and help. I wanna put an acme 644 on anyway, and get the 536 reworked and keep it for a spare since we currently have no spare.

[patoloco]

I'm surprised you were able to get the prop back in that good of condition by just bending it.

I never even felt whatever it was that I hit, it had to be small, the boat just suddenly felt like it was going to shake apart at anything above 10mph. When I pulled it out of the water, I fully expected to see a mangled prop....but there was no visible damage whatsoever..not even a ding.

The dealer re-worked it...about $100 I think, and it has worked as good as new.

I agree....I would get it fixed soon you don't want to screw up something even more expensive.

[AirNautique211]

Hey PLoco, remember the story about the rocks on Four Winds Point on Monroe? I still have 2 spare props for my 211. I can't remember the numbers, but they are brand new - still in the box. I may be willing to sell one - if anyone is looking. I will be at the lake this weekend and check the numbers.

Basically, I trashed a prop on some rocks on Lake Monroe and purchased 1 new prop and 2 new nuts. When the box arrived I was traveling overseas and returned to a freshly rebuilt prop. So, I didn't open the new one. It turns out they sent me 2 new props and 1 new nut. I called to offer to send it back, but the guy said no need - just keep it - so I did. Last winter my boat was at MD for service when someone needed a good prop, so Mark Q robbed the one off my boat and replaced it with a new one. So, now I have like 3 brand new props and a good used one as a spare. I will sell one if someone is looking.

Just a thought.

[ag4ever]

Man, when it rains it pours!

How much?

[patoloco]

AirNautique211 - I sent you a PM

What a deal with MD....they can steal stuff off my boat any day and replace it with something new! haha. In fact, I'd be willing to trade even for a new 220. :grin:

[AirNautique211]

I will look it up and make a good deal for a PN member. First I need to get the numbers so we can match it up with someone's boat.

BTW - what's up with the purple flashing stuff on my screen - am I going nuts?

[BigBald]

Just be careful....sometimes a dinged prop is not your only concerns. You can also bend the shaft, strut, and fiberglass damage. Mine was obviously more than just dinged, so, I doubt you have the problems that I experienced. But, me and my buddy could only recognize the prop being damaged...and he has been around these types of boats for 30 years. It took the dealer to really see the hidden issues. Thank goodness for MD.

Needless to say, I left a $3000 deposit on the "Million dollar point" at Lake Monroe also.

[AirNautique211]

BB Splash

Is that a Satinless prop? If so, did it have anything to do with the damage to the shaft? My prop looked similar, but all else was deamed OK.

Just wondering.

[patoloco]

BigBald...that picture still makes me cringe...my prop ding happened at Monroe also...but I was running on plane in the deepest, widest part of the Lake.....maybe its the lake...not the point..an evil prop gremlin lies in wait..you must pay homage to him.

[BigBald]

It wasn't stainless...it was Nibral. Believe it or not, in that picture, the shaft is defelected almost 1" out of plumb. They had to cut the shaft to remove it. The base of the strut, that attaches to the boat, is also very bent. And there was fiberglass damage all around where the strut attaches to the boat.

We couldn't see any issues besides the prop. by our inspection.