Being a newcomer to the Rib scene firstly i would like to say Hi to all on RIBnet.
The problem that Ihave is that I damaged my prop on only my second venture out onto the solent on Monday evening.
The damage amounts to about a 30mm long by 10mm wide section missing from one of the blades. Is it still safe to use in the short term till i can find either a replacement or repair?
I think most people will say that's not a good idea; if the prop is damaged it will not be balanced when it goes round. At high RPM this will shake your engine all over the place, and could damage the gear box or drive shaft.
If I were you I would buy a new one pronto.
Or get it fixed by Steel Developments.
Or better still buy a new one, get your current one fixed and use it as a spare "next" time it happens.
I too would not run your engine with your current damaged prop.
Hi yes get it repaired but how about getting a spare aluminum to get you going now! Much cheaper & less weight to carry around as a spare after the stainlesses one is repaired!
Nick
Done a bit of research for Yam props, should only cost you about £90.00 for a replacement Alloy one, so at that price is it worth repairing the damaged one (unless stainless). Just come back from USA today and managed to pick up a new 15" Alloy prop for $120 and a secondhand (used once) one for $50 and they chucked in a Yamaha baseball cap as a freebee.....Not bad for £100.00.
As long as the missing piece is only a small percentage of the total blade area and the blade is not distorted, ie. just a chunk missing with no cracks it'll be fine to use just check for vibration. Get a new one, but if you fancy going out for the evening go for it! Have used props much worse than you describe.
Help!!!
Now ive gone to buy a new prop and cos mine has been superseeded about 3 times the new number equates to a CUPPED prop in a reduced pitch angle by 1
Is this right? and will it make any performance difference?
RIB Saffron
