Damaged Prop Question

[nthomps66]

Question - I have dinged my prop up pretty good over the last few seasons. Will using a damaged prop damage the motor or lower unit? I can't really notice a difference in performance other than the RPMs being up very slightly.

[BoxMN]

I would get it fixed ASAP. I am not mechanic, but we fix our props if we ding them right away (not tiny nicks, of course). The out of balance can't be good for your shafts, I would not think. We can tell the difference in performance when ours get dinged.

You might even want to simply get another, and then you have a spare for when you need to repair one. Good luck,

[Eckie]

I agree wholeheartedly with BoxMN. For what it costs to have a prop repaired, it's not worth the risk of what damage one could do to the shaft. Having a spare is a great idea to minimize down time, even though the last time I had my prop reconditioned, my prop guy took less than a week to have it finished.

Good luck!

[unfrozen]

I've got the same problem with my prop. A few dings over the past few seasons. Anybody know a good place around Prior Lake that repairs props? What would I expect to pay for this service?

Thanks,

Unfrozen

[BobT]

Ditto. The speed at which that prop turns and the forces applied translate into some serious issues if it is even slightly out of balance. It's much less costly to repair a prop than a lower unit.

Bob

[ktjig]

Hey Eckie- I see you have Howard Lake in your description. I grew up there and still drive through there twice a day. I have a prop in need of repair and you seem to know someone. Do you use the guy by the bowling alley or someone dif? Let me know, my old prop is hanging on the wall "on display". The new one is humming like bird. Thanks KT

[Eckie]

Ktjig ~

I do live in Howard Lake (I originally hail from Bemidji), and yes, I used the guy next to the bowling alley. My neighbor recommended him. If you don't know him, he might be considered a little "rough around the edges" (as said by my neighbor). He does great work - and his prices are very reasonable. If I remember correctly, I paid $50. The prop was for a 4.3 (190hp) Volvo I/O. Hope this helps.