Dented prop advice

[ivan4199]

Never done this before but theres a first time for everything so they say....
The other day managed to put a very small dent in the prop while reversing in a new
marina (yes I was sober). There seems to be an extra buzzing vibration at higher speeds above around 25 knots. Apart from these rare times when I go at speed (mainly stick to rivers) it doesnt seem to make any difference.

So i'm wondering whether to (a) leave it as it is, (b) get it repaired costing £100 and
losing 2 weeks use, and (c) getting a new prop fitted costing £140 (no cruising time lost). Any tips or comments would be much appreciated, thanks, Ivan

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by ivan4199

Never done this before but theres a first time for everything so they say....
The other day managed to put a very small dent in the prop while reversing in a new
marina (yes I was sober). There seems to be an extra buzzing vibration at higher speeds above around 25 knots. Apart from these rare times when I go at speed (mainly stick to rivers) it doesnt seem to make any difference.

So i'm wondering whether to (a) leave it as it is, (b) get it repaired costing £100 and
losing 2 weeks use, and (c) getting a new prop fitted costing £140 (no cruising time lost). Any tips or comments would be much appreciated, thanks, Ivan

Buy a new one - (£140 seems rather steep) fit yourself and keep the one with a ding as a spare for when you do it again ........

[BogMonster]

Get a new one - I got a 115hp alli prop for less than that last time I went rrrrotavatinnn

I wouldn't leave it as it is if you can feel a difference in vibration then so will the bottom end of the outboard...

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by ivan4199

(a) leave it as it is,

no - but you might be able to smooth the damage out yourself if its minor? I'd say if its causing vibration you shouldn't use it - even if you are sticking to the speed where the problem is not obvious (it must still be unbalanced so increasing wear on the gearbox etc).

(b) get it repaired costing £100 and
losing 2 weeks use,

Is there something special about your prop? repair to a 3 blade Ali prop should cost less than about £50 and be back in your hands in about a week. There are a couple of prop repair places on the south coast who might even be cheaper/faster than that if you can drop it in/pick it up.

(c) getting a new prop fitted costing £140 (no cruising time lost).

Shop around on internet and you'll probably find a standard 3 blade prop for less than a £100.

[Glenn collins]

Steel Developments in south west london, Wandsworth to be exact. Repaired mine for £34 + vat after my father in law decided to use the prop to dig his way out of a gravel bank just of Rye.
New replacement was about £90 but the repair was back in just over a week.

Providing there is still 2/3 of the original blade they can repaire, re-balance and even paint it..

Super service.

G

[willk]

Steel Dev. seems to have a good range of recon ali props, basically what you'd be getting back if they repaired yours, for about £45. No delays and you'd still have a dinged spare which you could hammer out at home for the next time .

[CJL]

Steel Developments do an express service over a few hours but there is a premium as a result.

The normal service is £35.

Chris