effects of a "ding" in prop

[CALVINIST]

Was river fishing yesterday, and hit a rock , removing a small chunck of propeller from my 35 horse Johnson, the size, maybe a little smaller than a dime. It didn't appear to cause any problem, but of course being on the river, I couldn't open 'er up. Is this something that should get replaced ASAP, or is this no big deal? If I should get it replaced, about how much for a prop and where? I am thinking used.

Thanks.

[marine_man]

You're probably OK... try and get it fixed when you can (I wouldn't run next season if I could help it)... basically, as long as you don't notice any vibration in the motor from it you should be ok...

marine_man

[slick814]

I'd get it fixed. It'll cause a vibration at certain speeds, which can be a pain in the butt, literally...

I had something similar happen, and bought an aftermarket prop to use until the OEM one got fixed, and then have the aftermarket as a spare. No problems with the repaired prop after repairs, either.

If you aren't feeling the vibration yet, once you can get it somewhere that you can open it up, you'll feel it.

[Steve Foss]

Any out-of-balance prop also puts more strain on the lower unit gears if left that way over time, and that's REAL money to replace. Also, any time you hit a rock and take a chunk out of the prop, you've just aged the lower unit a little more.

We replaced the lower unit on our 1980 35 Johnson a few years back. If you want a quick replacement prop, look at the 4-blade composite props, which sell for a LOT less than aluminum. If you put that one on when you're getting the other repaired you'll have a spare later. Always good to have a spare. We ran the composite props for a few years and they worked just fine. Of course, if your fishing season is almost over it's cheaper just to wait until you tarp the boat for the winter and then get the prop repaired, but speaking from experience, if you're planning on putting in some more hours on the water before you close it up for the year, I'd get it repaired/replaced soon.

[gunflint]

It must be low water levels. I dinged mine the other day also. I'll have a new one comming by thursday.

[CALVINIST]

Thanks!

[Walleyeguy31]

They refurbish defected props. I have had mine done twice for a 150 Mariner and it cost 80 bucks both times. A new one is 150+.

[Northlander]

Get a hold of Jay Soderbloom at www.soderbloom.com and he can fix it and have it back to ya in no time and cheaply. He does all my prop work.

[turk802]

I may have one of those comp props that will fit your motor. I will sell it cheap - $30 plus shipping if it will work. let me know at turk802@yahoo.com

[CALVINIST]

Turk, I may just take you up on that. I'll keep you posted.

[rosspj59]

I just received my new prop from Jay solderbloom, can't wait to try it out this weekend. It makes my motor look new again with a prop that is jet black again with no chips or dings.

[blue_healer_guy]

I'll 2nd Soderbloom for prop repair. 30 bucks in 4 days.