Slammed a Log (prop/strut damage)

[ToolBoy]

Last night I slammed my 95 Nautique into a submerged log. The prop is toast. The strut that holds the shaft is bent 3" to the left. The shaft does not appear bent, but is also canted to the left due to the bent strut.

Question: Is this a job I can do myself? What are the issues I need to address to assess the REAL damage? Are there special tools required? Where do I get the parts?

In reality there is 4-6 weeks left in the California warm weather ski season. I would like to salvage some of that.

Thanks.

:?:

[surroundsound64]

RE: Slammed a Log (prop/strut damage)

You can replace the prop and stut by your self... that's not too much of a problem. Your biggest problem is going to be checking to see if the drive shaft is straight, and then aligning it with the engine and prop. The prop is made of brass so if something gets hit the prop gives and not the shaft so I would venture to say the shaft is probably all right. But the alignment has to be with in .003", which is tough to do.

I'd call a dealer and get the parts and see what they say about checking the shaft and aligning it for you.

I'm sorry to hear about that. Just last night I was out and I saw a floating log where we had been running. We stopped and picked it up and drug it out of the way so no one would hit it, but I realize not always can they be seen.

Good luck!

[ToolBoy]

Never saw the log. It was below the water level, and there was no break in the plane of the water surface to indicate something below.

My guess is the strut took the impact, then the prop came over the top of the log and shredded it.

I was able to idle back to the dock, with minimal vibration.

The alignment issue sounds tricky. If my insurance covers this, it maybe a better project for the dealer.

I will keep you posted.

[skinautique]

Hate to say it but I am sure your prop shaft is bent also. Your engine could be out of alignment too. Did you do any fiberglass damage? (stress cracks).

How mechanically inclined are you?

[AbunDiga909]

Sorry to hear about this, I've hit a submerged log--not fun--shakes the whole boat. Do you have any fin damage? When I hit the log, the fin made a 45 degree angle, but there was minimal damage to the prop, wasnt even worth replacing, yet...

CC brags how important the 'lazer alignment' is and how good they are at the factory all the time, so that seems very important. I would leave that esp. to the dealer...

[Deester]

wow , sorry to hear about the bad luck. I am coming off of what was just about the same thing. Just contact insurance, pay deduct, and let the pro's at your dealership repair it correctly. they know what to look for as far as possiable hidden damage goes. You will be out for a while,( 7 weeks for me (just got it back today)) but you know its done right.
good luck. dee

[ToolBoy]

No damage to the fins or the hull. I was going about 20 mph when it happened.

I am fairly mechanically inclined, but have worked mostly on cars. Certainly I do not have boat specialty tools.

At this point, and based on what I hear, I am inclined to make it a dealer/insurance issue. I will need to see if I am insured for this type of claim. Dealer can take the boat right away. My heart sank when Desster sais it was a 7 week deal. I was hoping to take passes on the course next week. Yikes.


More later.

[surroundsound64]

If insurance will cover it, definately have them do it.

[Deester]

Dont lose heart TB. I had to have fiberglass work done also, and since we have way low water levels here in N. Texas, the fiberglass shops are running b-hind (lots of hits this summer). If you only need new parts, they can prob. get you out in a couple of days. Good luck with it. dee

[boatech]

if the strut is bent as far as you say that shaft is bent for sure. you can have it straightend and replace the strut. you will have to remove the rudder to allow shaft to slide all the way out. the only odd tools you would need are a prop puller and fealler gauges to check alingment when you reassy. checking alignment and adjusting will be very important make sure this is done right.

[darrel409]

Bite the bullit and order up your strut, shaft and prop. Double check for any damage at or around the rudder too. If you are mechanically inclined the install is not much harder than removing everything. If you are not to 100% confident about the alignment, call your dealer and have them complete that for you so you know its spot on. If you call and set an appointment with them it should take them less than an hour.

[ToolBoy]

Update: Dropped the boat off in the shop. The guy who looked at it knew what he was doing, I guess they see this a lot. Prop, shaft, strut gone. Coupling is questionable pending further examination. The fins up front took a shot (at least one is bent), and the rudder took a shot, too. The gel-coat had some fine cracks where the rudder attaches to the bottom. Best case 2 weeks. Worst case 2 months depending on whether the rudder mount suffered structural damage.

This will be covered by insurance. 500.00 deductable.

Thanks for all of the feedback, and I will keep you posted. Best part of all of this is the guys at the ski club told me I do not need a boat, because I can use theirs, anytime. Just bring some gas. Nice to know a bunch of guys like that.

[ToolBoy]

Update on 9-7-06: Shop says they will replace shaft, strut, and prop. All else checks out. They recommend putting it back in the water to check for tranny problems. Any tips on what to look/listen for?

Total bill will be 2000.00 all said. Insurance will cover all but the 5 bills for the deductable. Never had to tap the insurance, but glad I have it now.

Should be back in the water in 10 days. Can't be soon enough for me. Weather here is the mid 90's, no wind and freakin glass...ever seen a grown man cry...the bouys are calling my name: "ToolBoy, come slash by my on this lake of glass..."

Soon...real soon.

[surroundsound64]

I'm glad to hear insurance is taking care of most of it. It stinks how the best water conditions are always when you can't get out.

[Hollywood]

I can't help but think of that movie "Log Jammin'" when I see this thread.