Dinged my prop!!!

[jruiz11434@aol.com]

Hey Guys....
First off, Happy father's day to all... On that note, I went out with the family Yesterday and met up @ a friends house with the boat and, for some unknown reason, decided to back in the boat instead of pulling straight in. Anyways, while slooooowly backing in and adjusting, I heard a thump, the engine stalled and and alarm began to sound. Being cautious, I pushed into slightly deeper water. Started up fine, gears felt fine. Decided to get into the water and feel around a bit. UUUUUUUGGGH! Brand new prop bent, not drastic, just one blade, 1 /4 inch inward. No chunks missing and feels fine in the water. Should I pull out and replace immediately, or can I deal with it. Not making a major difference. Should I worry about the gears? It is in a lake, so no where to go but up or down the lake and I don't go full throttle much due to high traffic and alot PWCs. What do you think?
Joey
P.S Be gentle!
:smt013 :smt021

 

[Dave S]

Your insurance policy may cover this damage so check into that first.

If it's a stainless prop then get it repaired. Most competent shops can have it back to you in just a few days. I recently had my Bravo 3 props rebalanced and had to send them out via UPS and they were back in a week.

If it's an aluminum prop you may want to consider just replacing it with a new one and use your dinged one for an emergency backup.

Dave

 

[jruiz11434@aol.com]

Thanks guys. I called my Marina and they would do it within 3 days. No rush on my part, but if they can, go right ahead. They say they can do it for just under 150.00.

 

[jruiz11434@aol.com]

One more thing guys. With the exception of the engine, which is a 2003 Mercruiser 5.7 liter 250hp, the stern drive is original, does anyone know what model it came with, as in Alpha 1 ore Bravo ?