Prop Fix

[Rookie-Driver]

I backed my rig into a fence (ever so slightly). The trailing edge of one blade of my aluminum prop has a small bow in it (about 1" long). What is the best way to restore the shape. Pound it out or try vice-grips or a vice?

The prop does not wobble and I didnt notice any loss of performance.

Signed: Rookie driver

[CMunger]

I scuffed up a prop, and I took it to be repaired. I was told it would be about $50. It didn't excessively excite me, since it wouldn't have cost just a heck of a lot more than that to replace it (in the big scheme of things). But it would have been more. I switched to a SS prop, so when it gets back, it'll just be a spare.

[Rookie]

Where did you take it?

[CMunger]

Twin City Outboard in Shakopee, MN. I believe they have outside machine shops do the prop repair. A person could save some cash by skipping the middleman if they knew who they farmed out to. Of course they might be exclusive with dealers and repair shops, and not do individual work. Anyhow. I dropped it off Wednesday, it should be back Tuesday.

[REW]

For that kind of a problem, you can fix it yoursellf if you are careful.

Don't -- Don't -- Don't ever use a vicegrip on a prop. You will almost always break a chunk out of the prop.

Take a big hammer or body dolly to use as a backing plate. Then use a small flat headed hammer to gently tap the prop back into shape.
You should be able to visualize the shape of the prop pretty well, and should be able to make the shape of the deformed blade the same. Work gently, and steadily and you will have the prop back in shape in no time.

If in doubt -- take to a prop shop and they will put it on a form and insure that each blade is perfectly shaped, and that at the end -- all blades are balanced.

I don't know where you are located -- but a great prop shop in the twin cities -- MN is Marks Props by Forest Lake MN.

Take care
REW

[Skeeter Boy]

Need info. on prop repair? Try The National Marine Repair Association at WWW.NMPA.NET you can find a listing of certified repair technicians. Good luck...Skeeter Boy

[Skeeter Boy]

Excuse me, that's National Marine Propellar Association..WWW.NMPA.NET...Skeeter Boy