Dinged propeller

starr

Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2009
Messages
22
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
..either hit a rock or submerged tree in our R- 25 on lake Champlain .seems to be running just fine and all vital readings are normal. Loaded onto the trailer and only damage we could see was very slight bends on two of the three blades of the propeller.no noticeable vibration other than what little there always is.but maybe more since the mind is looking for that!even so,could we be causing more harm without a perfect propeller on a single screw? Any comments appreciated.starr
 
Keep in mind that none of us have seen the prop, so my answer is on the conservative side.

It's so easy to pull the prop, especially since you are trailering, I'd take it to a prop shop for a check. Just taking out dings and bends will improve the flow and efficiency even if it is not out of balance. Having slightly different thrust on the blades can cause the loads on the shaft to be off center and can lead to uneven wear patterns over time.

They can also make sure there are no cracks which might cause you to lose a blade or a chunk of one. Essentially everything is repairable, and costs are "reasonable" compared to so many other things we do with our boats.
 
+1 what ABC said. At best, you now have a less efficient prop that will be costing you a bit of fuel. At worst, you have a rotating component that can subtly cause an awful lot of expensive damage at the packing gland, transmission, props shaft support strut (Rangers may not have one), etc.

A bent shaft or bent prop should always be looked at and fixed, in my opinion. Most prop work, assuming there are not any actual cracks in the bronze, is pretty cheap in terms of marine mechanical work (assuming there is a decent prop shop in your area).
 
Fix the prop. I always carry a spare so I am never to be stranded.
 
I agree with Stuart. I have always fixed the dinged prop..... (oop's, another secret revealed! At least it was on a AWB......)
 
Where did you get the spare? and How much $$$$$$?
 
I got the spare prop from Ranger. They will send one right out to you. It cost about $750.00 for the R-29.
I also carry a prop puller on board.
It is just one of those things that can ruin your whole trip if you have to wait for a prop or any other parts to get shipped to you. I consider it as important as having on board, a impeller,belts,filters (all kinds that the boat requires) zincs,running light bulbs,oil,antifreeze,hoses,thruster shear pins,thruster fuses,all other fuses and so on.

I also like to carry a whole mess of engine zincs. They are cheep and easy to check and change on a Sunday morning during coffee while swinging on the anchor in a cove. Just make sure the sea cock is off! 🙂
 
Commander Bill,
Check with Sparky (Starry Night). She was offering a spare prop for a R-25 at a pretty reasonable price.
 
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