Bent prop shaft (?)

[Swimmer]

I let the girlfreind use my boat to entertain her folks this Summer. An hour after they got back, her 6 year old nephew came sneaking up saying "you should have seen what Anne did to your boat". Apparently there were some "big" rocks close to the landing (funny how GF forgot to mention the confrontation of my prop and the rocks). Yup, I replaced the prop and noticed that it had a little wobble to it -- maybe 2-3mm when it was spun. I used it a few more time this Summer and didn't really see any performance issues. Does this need to be taken care of? How much to straighten a shaft? Also, does a guy even have a chance if he suggests a reimbursement from the GF?

[DTro]

Sadly, I've been in your shoes. I forget the tolerance, but I would say if you can see the runout, then you need to fix it. It will run and push the boat along, but the added vibration will damage your motor in the long run. You might be able to straighten it....might.

I ended up finding a used one on ebay and having a tech install it for me. Saved quite a bit as the part alone is big bucks

He had no problem doing that for me and I could provide his name if you are interested, (lives between Jordan and New Prauge).

Good Luck

[Valv]

dtro is correct, you better have it taken care of, you could have the shaft seal damaged, it will let water into unit and damage it severely. Ebay is an option, otherwise you can straighten it up if it's just a little bent. You will need a mechanic to remove it and install it. I too know a guy that works as a tech for main dealer and does some sidejob, very reasonable but it's south of the metro.

[marine_man]

Even if you decide not to fix the bent shaft this year yet be sure to get the lower unit lube changed... if it's bent it could be bent far enough in to screw up a seal and let water in... and frozen water in a lower unit = trouble in the spring...

Good Luck!

marine_man

[ChuckN]

I had a tweeked prop shaft, and it took some sort of a diagnostic machine the dealer had to indicate the problem. It was the most expensive part when the bill came, $600. I was told a prop shaft cannot be repaired. I don't know, but makes sense. Any wobble and you'll have problems, mainly with seals and overall performance.

I hope you have insurance on that motor. It's likely covered for hitting an underwater object.

[Swimmer]

Ya, I do have insurance on it...never thought about that...a $350 deduct though. And I did the lower unit grease job this Fall and didn't see any water in it...yet. I talked to a guy at "boat motor salvage" and he said he could do the job--straightening it--for ~ $200. I assume this would cover un/install. Should probly have new seals put in at that time too.(?)

[upnorth]

Those shafts are pretty short and stout, I really don't see how you could accurately straigten it. I would think he has one that he could swap out.