So we are riding yesterday, when all of a sudden, a pronounced vibration start up. We didn't hit anything, figure that we might have a rope wrapped up. Get home, check it out, and the prop is loose on the shaft. I'm thinking that's weird, event if the nut backs off, the prop is pretty much on there until you get the puller out. Then I check it out, the trailing edge of the prop is bent back out toward the end on all the blades, one really pronounced, the others slight to moderate. No marks ot nicks on the prop at all, otherwise perfect. Have never had this happen before, has anyone else? Did I just wear it out after pushing a lot of weight over the past 3 years?

"What rolls down stairs alone or in pairs <BR> Rolls over your neighbor's dog? <BR> What's great for a snack and fits on your Back? <BR> It's Log, Log, Log! <BR> <BR> It's Log, Log, it's big, it's heavy, it's wood. <BR> It's Log, Log, it's better than bad, it's good! <BR> Everyone wants a log! You're gonna love it, Log! <BR> Come on and get your log! Everyone needs a Log!" <BR> <BR> <BR>Ok.. Had to throw the Log song in... <BR> <BR>I don't mean to be an A$$. It sounds like an impact with a blunt object. I really would have a hard time believing a prop would wear out.

While I do love the log song I must say, Jeff puts a lot of weight in his SAN. By far the best one I've ever ridden. Just go to a boat shop and have them pound it out on an anvil, no prob, plus if you want a new prop you've got a legit spare.

Already put the spare on, Hill Propellers has been taking care of me for years. <BR> <BR>If I hit a log (or anything else for that matter), shouldn't there at least be a scuff mark on the prop? There is no physical indication of contact anywhere on the prop.

Sounds like contact with sand or mud to me. Props do not "wear out" but they do experience (in some cases) corrosion, burns from ventilation and cavitation, and the bore opening up from long term vibration against the shaft. If you have an old technology smooth finish prop, you are a canididate for a new CNC machined prop. There is a difference in performance - not huge, but it is there and in most cases, you can feel it.

It was an ACME 644 - Again, I would expect at least some kind of scuff or mark on the prop if it had made contact with anything. Nothing, no burns, corrosion, prop is perfect otherwise. Guess that the Hill guys will let me know when I take it in. I know the drag boat guys can bend a prop on take off, just from the HP &amp; torque those guys run.

Tackleberry, I know the obvious arguments against stainless steel props, but if your concerned about "wear" why not go with stainless?

Like others have said, I have never seen a prop wear out. What I have seen is a prop hit something soft and get really messed up without any "scuff" marks. Could have been soft mud, or perhaps even a good wrap of weeds. <BR> <BR>What I don't understand is that you said it was the trailing edge of the prop that was bent. Usually it is the leading edge of the prop that sustains damage, unless you happened to hit something in reverse. <BR> <BR>Are you sure you didn't back into a shallow spot?

I have had that happen before. I was coming back to the dock at Lake Orovile. We were loaded down with camping equipment and heading back to the dock after an awesome weekend on the floating campsites. I had hit some debris in the water but did not feel it or hear it. Vibration started up instantly and that was it. I pulled it out and a blade on the prop was bent.

The vibration hit while we were pulling a rider (forward @ 25mph). No weeds/mud where we ride, just big rocks. We hit nothing, the boat just started vibrating. Leading edge is perfect, top part of the trailing edge is bent back, a little to moderate. No marks at all.

I'll take a picture &amp; post it this evening.

When was the last time you had your engine/tranny aligned?

A year ago. Checked the prop shaft last night, within tolerance.

I know that the bends in the prop would be a main contributor to vibration, but if any contact was made with an obstruction you might consider having your drivetrain aligned. The slightest misalignment can cause vibration.

Gotcha. Just checkin. Gotta eliminate all possibilities<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0>

As promised, pics: <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/320513.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/320514.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/320515.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/320516.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>

The fresh replacement: <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/320521.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>Views of the trailing edge of the prop in question: <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/320522.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/320523.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>

ok ... I give up. <BR> <BR>That's the damn-dest thing. I see what you mean now. <BR> <BR>How much weight do you run, and how much HP? <BR> <BR>I can't imagine a prop bending under load. I'd expect the water to boil infront of the prop before it bent. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by yosquire on April 25, 2006)