Hit a sunken tree - uh oh...

[Rick K]

Was wondering if anyone had this issue. Long story short... Admiral was driving and hit a sunken tree, then drug it about 10-15 feet before it broke loose. It was a big tree. Really big.

I was able to check the prop, which had no visible damage. But now, there's a definative vibration that starts at exactly 1200 rpm and goes away at 1400-1600 rpm. From 1600-4600 rpm, there's no issues. But on turns, there's a lot of vibration but no noise coming from the drive. The vibration doesn't rattle you outta your seat, but it's there nevertheless.

This sucks, because the drive was just rebuilt, new trim motor, steering cable, rams, lines, you name it. I'd really hate to have to replace all this stuff if I don't have to.

I'm thinking the prop's bent, and I'll have it checked as soon as I haul her out, but from the symtoms, does anyone care to venture a guess at what I'm looking at?

Thanks
Rick

 

[skolbe]

First place to check is the prop, is it aluminum? If so it bends easily. Cheap to fix as well.

 

[Spookeay]

Yep, Bent prop blade. You will know if it's the shaft when you see white oil when it eats the prop shaft seal.

 

[Rick K]

Thanks for the replies. I tend to be the proverbial pessimest and think the worst. Prop's aluminum, but it's one of those exchangable hub Vortex XHS props. Darn it, it was brand new this season! :smt013

 

[tdschafer]

And now you will have a brand new one for next season!:grin:
Todd

 

[Rick K]

Thanks Todd... I knew I could count on you guys to bring a smile to my face so early in the morning! I actually have the correct prop for the boat, and want to try that next season. This one's way over pitched.

 

[katricol]

Notify your insurance company

 

[Rick K]

Not insured for that; just liability. My agent advised that on outdrives damage, I pay half the replacement cost, which is a complete load of BS. Got an online quote from Progressive, but an Agreed-Value policy was like $700/year, which again, is total BS. Since the boat sits on it's trailer from Oct to April, I'd be paying for something I'm not using.

We got the boat in August and didn't go full tilt on insurance. Over the winter, I'll shop around. I see Boat U.S. has a good policy, but they want the boat surveyed. Not that it wouldn't "pass" a survey, but I couldn't find anyone to do it in my area (Buffalo, NY).

 

[Daddubo]

Not insured for that; just liability. My agent advised that on outdrives damage, I pay half the replacement cost, which is a complete load of BS. Got an online quote from Progressive, but an Agreed-Value policy was like $700/year, which again, is total BS. Since the boat sits on it's trailer from Oct to April, I'd be paying for something I'm not using.

Call your insurance Co. and talk to a claims person they will tell you if you are covered or not. I have an agreed replacement cost and liability, under water damage is usually covered by that. I just racked my out drive and snapped the coupler off the flywheel I have a $500 deductable and they pick up the rest. The adjuster said if the whole out drive had to be replaced then they depreciate it 3.5% per year but if it is rebuilt I’m good. I also told him the engine over heated he said he will note that and get a compression test to make sure the heads aren't cracked.

As far as not using the insurance in the winter you get a lot of snow and cold up there anything can happen. Here is an article from Iboat.
http://www.iboats.com/review_monthly/oct10/oct10_review_insurance.html

 

[Alex F]

As others said, chances are you have a bent prop. Before jumping in to conclusions, calling insureance, etc. I would take the prop off and bring it to the prop shop. In your case it should be an easy task. Not sure about all, but some shops will scan the prop for free and will let you know if it needs to be fixed. If it's not too bad you may end up paying $100 or so for the prop to be fixed. Put it back on and retest the performance. I hope this is your scenario and after $100 you're back in business.

 

[Rick K]

Thanks Alex. Finally hauled her out tonite, after waiting on crummy weather to subside. I noted 1 very small chip out of the tip of one blade. Will take to prop shop here on the river and have it checked. I have a couple of other questions as well, but want to take some pics first. Someone needs to write the book "Outdrives for Dummies".

 

[Rick K]

As others said, chances are you have a bent prop. Before jumping in to conclusions, calling insureance, etc. I would take the prop off and bring it to the prop shop. In your case it should be an easy task. Not sure about all, but some shops will scan the prop for free and will let you know if it needs to be fixed. If it's not too bad you may end up paying $100 or so for the prop to be fixed. Put it back on and retest the performance. I hope this is your scenario and after $100 you're back in business.

Hi all, I know this is an old thread I started last October, but I got 'er wet this morning with the rebuilt prop, and absolutely NO issues! Right up on plane as smooth as could be, even better than last season! I couldn't see any bends, but the shop said it was outta wack pretty good. All fixed up and ready to go!!!

 

[northern]

I did that in my 28 footer with SS prop. It vibrated and rubber centre hup stripped out. 100 dollar fix for the prop but it chipped a gear and the cip took out a seal. That resulredin a new stern drive lower part. Check the oil and see if it is milky.

 

[Rick K]

Oil and all that was fine. The "dredging" took place on our way back to the dock for our final time out. I took it for a few small "test" runs to check out vibration, etc. Had her hauled out after that, set on my trailer and took her home. When I drained the oil, there was nothing in it. Just thankful that's all it was. :smt038

 

[Iprof]

Rick I wish I had seen this last October, I did something simular 2 years ago June 20. I replaced both props on my boat and continued on with my holidays. The boat was winterized and every thing checked oil changed in the drives all good to go. The first trip last summer I did not make it 1/2 mile when my starboard drive locked solid. We pulled the boat and the drive and the shop discovered that the top gear had a chipped tooth because of the strike the summer before. The insurance company put a new drive yes new not remanufactured and the cost of the two props. Keep all your bills and the details for the strike and any invoices from the marina should mention what happened. I sure hope this does not happen to you what happened to me but without the paper trail I might not have been covered by the insurance.

Ken

 

[Sea~Lah]

Happy to hear that your up and running smoothly. If you still need a survey, I know of a local one that can help.

Oil and all that was fine. The "dredging" took place on our way back to the dock for our final time out. I took it for a few small "test" runs to check out vibration, etc. Had her hauled out after that, set on my trailer and took her home. When I drained the oil, there was nothing in it. Just thankful that's all it was. :smt038

 

[Rick K]

Ken, sorry to hear you had all the trouble. Glad you're back in. We were extremely lucky. This year, I upgraded all my insurance so that I'm covered for just about anything.

No coverage for spilled beer though.:smt089

There's STILL stuff floating down the Canal and into the river, and we've been pulling crap off our docks for the last month. This spring has certainly brought it's share of unwanted floaters!!!

Sea~Lah, thanks for the offer on the surveyor, I'll keep that in mind.