Too much prop damage?

[imported_JLowe]

I think the answer here is probably, "any prop damage is too much". But anyway, I just bought a 23' bowrider w/ a 74., B3 outdrive with SST dual props, 28pitch. The prop was damaged on the inner (larger) 15" prop. All 3 blades have a "nice" little chunk taken out of them. I'd say about the size of your thumb nail or so.

I would have expected to feel some vibrations on the outdrive, if there was a serious problem w/ the balance, but so havent I haven't. Could it be that the damage is equal enough to not cause vibration, and isnt there isn't too much risk to the lower end?? We plan to have it repaired, dont just don't know if we can worry about that next month after a few days on the lake, or at the end of the season, as long isnt there noticable' any noticable vibrations. Or should I pull it off RIGHT NOW before ever dropping it back in the water?? dont certainly don't want to ruin any bearings, seals, shafts, etc. dont just don't know what effects the causing is causeing on the rest of the drive?

I'll pics to get some pics up to show you what it looks like.
Thanks!!

 

[imported_JLowe]

Re: Too much prop damage?

Ok, so I can't edit. Sorry about the misspellings and syntax mistakes.:$

 

[QC]

Re: Too much prop damage?

Welcome JLowe!!! I hear you have a big arse . . . Sorry couldn't help it, ya know Jennifer Lopez = JLo . . .

With that stuff out of the way, I am not a subscriber to "any prop damage is too much". I have repaired a lot of minor damage with pliers, a hammer and a file. With that said, thumbnail chunks are pretty substantial. Also, the dual-props of the Bravo 3 may be cancelling out some of the vibration that you might be able to feel. Personally I would bite the bullet now and get it fixed. It is worth the peace of mind and you have to do it anyway . . .

BTW, another way to handle it is to buy a complete spare set now, and use the damaged set as back-up until you feel like getting it worked on. You really need to carry spares anyway although this is big bucks on a Bravo 3. One of the reasons I still like Bravo 1s . . .

 

[Mark42]

Re: Too much prop damage?

I second QC. Good advice there....

 

[imported_JLowe]

Re: Too much prop damage?

"A big arse".....funny coming from a Rear Admiral

Thanks for the info. I'm too anxious to get it out on the water this w/e to wait another couple of weeks to get the prop fixed. I'll give it a go and keep a check on any vibration. Maybe I'll keep it under 45mph just to be safe. Anyone else have any experiences w/ running damaged props? Did it cause noticable vibrations?

 

[imported_JLowe]

Re: Too much prop damage?

I thought I'd throw a pic of the damaged prop up here for a visual of what I was talking about.

We have alread sent them off to get repaired.
So does that look? Not too bad, eh?