Prop Strike - WARNING: Graphic Pics

[cab13367]

We were at Lake Shasta this weekend (Friday through Tuesday) and were heading back to the boat ramp Monday night around 7:30 pm at 25 mph after a great three days on the water. We were in a channel about a half mile from the boat launch, we had passed through this same channel several times over the weekend with no issues and had seen several other boats pass through as well but probably because the water level drops daily, we hit something this time through, probably a rock ledge. After the prop strike, I could not go more than 5 mph without experiencing severe vibration so we limped along at 5 mph the remaining half mile or so back to the launch. Glad we were not further away when it happened. Below are pics of the damage. I'm told the gelcoat damage was cause by the prop - we hit so hard that it pushed the prop up into the gelcoat and took a chunk out of it.

Took the boat to Active Watersports in Oregon City, OR yesterday when we got back into town and today, I get the estimate. Let's just say it's a lot more than I expected. In addition to the obvious damage to the prop and gelcoat, the prop shaft and prop shaft strut are apparently bent. Fortunately, there was no damage to the tracking fins or the rudder.

This is my first prop strike so I have been fortunate all these years so I guess my luck finally ran out.

I’m working with my insurance company now to get the estimate approved. Will keep everyone posted.

[Woody929]

Was the shaft so bent that it could reach the gel? Seems more likely to me that it picked up a bit of whatever you struck and slammed it into the hull.

[cab13367]

Was the shaft so bent that it could reach the gel? Seems more likely to me that it picked up a bit of whatever you struck and slammed it into the hull.

That is what I think too but the shop seems to think the prop hit it. To the naked eye, the shaft does not even look bent.

[rsinger]

Was the shaft so bent that it could reach the gel? Seems more likely to me that it picked up a bit of whatever you struck and slammed it into the hull.

I'm no expert, but I would tend to agree with Woody. That looks like 4 inches or more from the prop to the hull. I'd expect to see the strut completely broken off, or pushed through the hull, for the prop to travel that far, and the shaft to have a very obvious bend in it.

There are enough people on the board with personal experience (unfortunately) on this stuff. I think Woody's opinion will be verified.

I'm scared to put my boat in the water now. Holy S**t.

[rsinger]

I'm scared to put my boat in the water now. Holy S**t.

Famous last words. Looks like I'm a victim too. This happened idling to the trailer. The boat wasn't even a third of a way up the trailer, and hadn't touched it yet.



Off to the classified section to see if someone's selling something that'll fit my boat.

[EricU]

Seeing all the bent props from this last weekend - including my first EVER! (I'm not bitter...) and how low Oroville was last weekend, I don't know if I will be able to go out again this year. I wont have time this weekend (car show) and the boat ramp was almost toast last weekend.

Last year we were boarding into October.

Pray for west coast rain this winter!!!!

[Woody929]

On the bright side, it could look like this one sitting at a local shop

[uniwarking]

On the bright side, it could look like this one sitting at a local shop

Wow... I certainly hope something this bad never happens to me or anyone else for that matter... makes me sick...

[jester]

Dang Al that sucks. You did not have a good start or end to this trip. Hope everything in between was a blast.

[Boonejeepin]

So sorry Al!

I would bet that Independent Marine Propeller
In Portland may be able to repair the shaft and strut. Not sure about the prop but that shop has worked wonders in the past.

Although, if you are filing an insurance claim I would let the insurance company work on the part replacement details.

Looks to be about 6 - 8 hrs of glass and gel work, 4-5 hrs of driveline labor including realignment, + materials and parts (about $1300).

I would bet that the AWS quote is in the $5000+ range.