Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

[steve3737]

I was following my paper chart back to the boat ramp today when I hit a rock in the water and caused damage to the prop and bottom fin. I just bought this 2002 Bayliner Capri BR with a 4.3l Mercruiser Alpha One engine.

Prop is shaved off about 20-30% on two sides. The lower fin is shaved about 60% down, all was running fine after we got to deeper water but there is now small drops of oil leaking from right near the lower oil valve screw. The lower drive definately took a hit because of a dent but it doesnt seem to be cracked. Just the lower fin and prop are shaved off.


Is it possible to just replace the prop and continue?

If i tighten the oil screw and it stops dripping, can I run the boat without the lower fin on the sterndrive? (or at least most of it is gone)


Any comments would be greatly appreciated. New to boating in these waters and this was only my 4th time out after buying my boat.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

You can run without the skeg, but it's only around $100 it so to have a new one welded on by a prop shop or boat repair facility. Obviously the prop will need to be repaired as well. The drive leaking oil is a big issue and without more details, there may be more damage if a visible dent was made.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

New to boating in these waters and this was only my 4th time out after buying my boat.

Now that's just bad luck so early on in the fun world of boating....major bummer.

I'd almost think you might want to drain the gear lube, remove the drive and do a pressure test to see if something more major happened.

Mark

PS: Welcome to IBOATS

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

got pictures ???

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

I was following my paper chart back to the boat ramp today when I hit a rock in the water and caused damage to the prop and bottom fin. I just bought this 2002 Bayliner Capri BR with a 4.3l Mercruiser Alpha One engine.

Prop is shaved off about 20-30% on two sides. The lower fin is shaved about 60% down, all was running fine after we got to deeper water but there is now small drops of oil leaking from right near the lower oil valve screw. The lower drive definately took a hit because of a dent but it doesnt seem to be cracked. Just the lower fin and prop are shaved off.


Is it possible to just replace the prop and continue?

If i tighten the oil screw and it stops dripping, can I run the boat without the lower fin on the sterndrive? (or at least most of it is gone)


Any comments would be greatly appreciated. New to boating in these waters and this was only my 4th time out after buying my boat.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... The oil leak has to be Fixed, whatever it is....

And, I'd check the propshaft to make sure it ain't bent,...

If it is, an Sei lower will be cheaper than fixin' yer's...

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

agreed on just replacing the lower unit.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

Welcome, do you have insurance?

 

[steve3737]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

I Do have insurance but is it worth it to claim this? If I have to replace the lower unit how much am i looking to spend? My deductible is $500.

Anyone know a good mechanic in the Montreal/ Ile Perrot area??

Thanks for the comments

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

I Do have insurance but is it worth it to claim this? If I have to replace the lower unit how much am i looking to spend?...

Well, if you go to the marina, it'll be a $2500 claim, minimum. If you do as suggested above, buy an SEI lower unit, they cost $900 USD. And aren't that hard to bolt on.
Be advised, as covered in another thread, if you turn in a claim on a boat you just bought, you're going to get your coverage dropped or the price could rise dramatically.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Hit a rock!! Need advice on damage to lower sterndrive + prop

Pressure test the drive. The prop shaft could be bent and you just need a new lower unit but make sure every thing in the upper is good as well. I would go the SEI route over insurance because in the long run your insurance rate hike would probably pay for an entire new drive after a claim.