what would you do? (potential repair advice)

[Hoffer]

i called a prop repair place right down the road from where I live in Maple grove. Its a major outfit- right down by me just off 63rd and 81. Only about 3 miles.

I asked them if they had a replacement prop for me which they do. I then asked them if they could repair my other prop which was pretty badly mangled.

They then said sure - but asked if I had my shaft checked out (no jokes please). They said it could be slightly tweaked if my prop sustained that much damage - and then after a while the seals could burnout and ruin the lower unit.

So, do I have them take a look? They said it would only take a few minutes - they just have to remove the prop. whats the chance that they will look and say "yeah, its fine". I am thinking the chances of them saying you need a repair are higher (when maybe I dont really need one?). I hate to be mistrusting - but I just wonder sometimes. Then if I do need something repaired - and I havent placed a claim - how does that work? Can I place a claim now?

I dont know...I mean i would rather be safe than sorry - but I also dont want an extra bill or work done if I dont need to.

[RebelSS]

They're absolutely correct. If you did REALLY whang that prop bad, I wouldn't even have my boat back on the water until I'd checked my prop shaft and seals. Tried to tell a fishing buddy that, but I got the ol' "Ahh, it's fine". He later had to put in seals and lower unit repair about 3 months later....

[CAMAN]

If you are worried about them doing unnecessary repairs ask them if you can watch them inspect it. If its a reputable shop they should attach a tool that is called a dial indicator to the lower unit and put the measuring probe onto the shaft and rotate the shaft. The needle will move quite a bit if its badly bent, hardly any if its good. Don't know the tolerances between a good and bad one but almost no shaft will show perfectly straight.

They should be able to do it right in the parking lot for you.

[Jim Almquist]

It really is not a bad idea to have it done as long as they don't charge you too much. All they have to do is hook up a indicator and turn over the motor to spin the shaft to see if it is running true. Ask how much it is going to cost to check. My guess would be no more than $40.00 cause it should only take about 10-20 min. to do.

[Hoffer]

sweet!

Thats great advice guys!

Thats why I come to this site - always some really good words of wisdom and knowledge. Thanks a bunch. I think i will bring it in tomorrow. They also said they could try to trouble shoot a problem with depth finder (Depth finder works - but GPS doesnt).

I will for sure see if they will let me take a look with them.

Thanks again!

Mark