Aluminum Prop Repair?

thinkxingu · 07-20-2019, 04:40 PM

Hi! A friend of ours hit a rock today, and their prop edges are rolled. Are aluminum props repairable, or are they just replacement (cost vs. strength, etc.)? Thanks!

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Bear Islander · 07-20-2019, 06:00 PM

If the damage is not to bad a marina can send out a prop for repair. The cost is roughly 1/2 the cost of a new prop.

Cal Coon · 07-20-2019, 06:49 PM

Aluminum props are repairable if it's (very) minor damage, but, it may be cheaper to just buy a new one. A knowledgeable marina should be able to advise which way to go once they see the damaged prop. New aluminum props are pretty cheap to buy these days.

8gv · 07-20-2019, 07:03 PM

As a third option, an inexpensive new one may be available on Craig’s List. Sometimes a boat is sold without the spare prop. Sometimes a different pitch is tried briefly but not preferred.

thinkxingu · 07-20-2019, 07:47 PM

Thanks for the tips, all!

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Dave R · 07-21-2019, 06:11 AM

Would be a great time to upgrade to stainless steel. They are far more resilient to rock strikes and have better performance (assuming they are appropriately selected for the boat, engine, and use).

thinkxingu · 07-21-2019, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

Would be a great time to upgrade to stainless steel. They are far more resilient to rock strikes and have better performance (assuming they are appropriately selected for the boat, engine, and use).

I think this person's history (of striking things) precludes stainless (which would increase the chance of driveline damage (right?))

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Dave R · 07-21-2019, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I think this person's history (of striking things) precludes stainless (which would increase the chance of driveline damage (right?))

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Not if they hit lightly enough to just "roll" a blade or three, as described. That sounds like a low speed touch and that would not do anything to the driveline, in my experience.

thinkxingu · 07-22-2019, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

Not if they hit lightly enough to just "roll" a blade or three, as described. That sounds like a low speed touch and that would not do anything to the driveline, in my experience.

They're almost always low speed, but seemingly common enough to maybe not risk the expense or damage, especially as they don't do a ton of quick acceleration/high speed maneuvers.

They also tend to be...frugal.

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07-20-2019, 04:40 PM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,231 Thanks: 1,171 Thanked 2,055 Times in 1,275 Posts	Aluminum Prop Repair? Hi! A friend of ours hit a rock today, and their prop edges are rolled. Are aluminum props repairable, or are they just replacement (cost vs. strength, etc.)? Thanks! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

07-20-2019, 06:00 PM	#2
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	If the damage is not to bad a marina can send out a prop for repair. The cost is roughly 1/2 the cost of a new prop.

07-20-2019, 06:49 PM	#3
Cal Coon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 475 Thanks: 179 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Aluminum props are repairable if it's (very) minor damage, but, it may be cheaper to just buy a new one. A knowledgeable marina should be able to advise which way to go once they see the damaged prop. New aluminum props are pretty cheap to buy these days.

07-20-2019, 07:03 PM	#4
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,093 Thanks: 64 Thanked 744 Times in 478 Posts	As a third option, an inexpensive new one may be available on Craig’s List. Sometimes a boat is sold without the spare prop. Sometimes a different pitch is tried briefly but not preferred.

07-20-2019, 07:47 PM	#5
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,231 Thanks: 1,171 Thanked 2,055 Times in 1,275 Posts	Thanks for the tips, all! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

07-21-2019, 06:11 AM	#6
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Would be a great time to upgrade to stainless steel. They are far more resilient to rock strikes and have better performance (assuming they are appropriately selected for the boat, engine, and use).

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thinkxingu (07-21-2019)