Smashed into a rock at high speed--now what should I do?

[Walleyehunter4]

Sad story?was following my uncle at high speeds on Lake of the Woods, and smashed my 2000 Honda BF50 into a shallow rock. From what I can observe, the motor performs shockingly similarly to as before dramatic collision, other than a) it is much louder; b) exhaust seems to be coming out in an effervescent fashion around the motor; and c) it vibrates more at a high frequency at high speeds (e.g., like old two-strokes used to vibrate, where it kinda puts your hand to sleep, if you know what I mean?). All fluids seem normal (drained the lower unit to check for metal, and fluid seemed like it always does at end of season). The visible scars are a broken skeg and a rubber gasket bulging from motor, and a divot in the metal where it hit before/after the skeg broke off (pls see photos).

I?m hoping the wise experts on this site might be able to answer the following questions:

1. Will/did I harm the motor further by continuing to use it (I babied it the rest of the trip, other than running it at near full speed for the 1 hour ride back to civilization, in order to stay with other boats)?
2. What can I expect it will take to repair the motor? I trust some of you more than any of the Honda dealers I?ve interacted with in the past.
3. Can I take it to any old Honda dealer for repair? I live in Minneapolis, so if anyone has a recommendation for where to take it in the Twin Cities, I?d greatly appreciate your advice).
4. Any ideas on ballpark costs I should expect to fix it? I was leaning towards getting a new fuel injected BF50 after this season anyway, so maybe I should just trade it in as is?
5. Any other wisdom you might have?

Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts/advice!

 

[Scott Danforth]

The case is smashed, you need a new lower unit. Hope you have insurance