Is it OK to run a boat with a bent prop?

You can do massive damage and end up having to do fiberglass work etc. I wouldn’t run the boat with a bent prop, or bent shaft. The long term damage is not worth it.

Will a bent prop cause vibration?

Yes, a bend much less than that will cause a lot of vibration. Pull the prop and get it repaired.

How do I know if my prop is bent?

Vibration while underway can also be an indicator of a bent prop shaft. Any variation in the distance between blade tips and a fixed point, or a visible wobble, can also mean a bent shaft. For inboards, check out the bearings: The prop should be centered within them.

How much does it cost to repair a propeller?

A typical repair to an aluminum prop will cost $100 to $150, but expect to pay $200 to $400 to repair a stainless steel prop. It may be more cost-effective to simply replace a damaged aluminum prop, but when a new stainless prop costs $400 to $700, the repair makes economic sense.

How do I know if my boat prop is bent?

Will a slightly bent prop cause vibration?

Can a bent drive shaft be straightened?

To fix a damaged drive shaft that has been twisted or bent. If your drive shaft has a dent in the tubing, most of the time you can straighten and balance the shaft to compensate for the dent in the tubing. However, if there is a crease in the tubing, then the drive shaft tubing should be replaced.

Can a propeller shaft be straightened?

Propeller shaft straightening: When the prop shaft is bent, even the slightest, this can often cause a vibration. We can straighten (1” – 1 1/4” diameter shafts), outboard and stern drive prop shafts without removal from the gear case. Shaft repairs can be done same day.

How much does it cost to repair a prop?

All prices for 1 area. + 25\% for 2nd area….Cash Discount $5 Lower Units.

What should I do if my boat prop is bent?

Repair or replace the prop when damaged or bent. If needed, replace the rubber or plastic hub that sits between the propeller and the propshaft. Always carry a spare propeller onboard—just like a spare tire. When in doubt, call in the professionals for assistance.

Can a damaged propeller be repaired?

The damage that has been done to the propeller is our next deciding factor. There are many different types of damage that can be done to a prop, but not all are repairable. You can bend a prop blade, knick the blade, tear off a blade, and they can also get pitted. Not all of these are repairable.

What happens if you don’t replace prop material?

Missing material causes higher rpm and diminished efficiency, potentially damaging the engine at worst, and slowing the boat and using more fuel at best. A prop shop can build up diameter and blade area to original specs. If too much is gone, especially on aluminum props, it’s often best to buy a new one.

How do I know if my prop blades need to be replaced?

If you don’t see any obvious damage, carefully run your fingers along the leading edge of the prop blades and check for burring, which can occur if the prop is run through sand. You can remove these burrs yourself with a mill bastard file. If prop blades are bent or otherwise damaged, the prop should either be replaced or repaired.