Tiny little propeller ding - anything to worry about?

gotchiguy · 13 April 2010, 23:12

Hi again chaps,

Just a quick question...

I scraped the prop (absolutely unavoidably) on the slipway today whilst attempting a recovery with a strong cross current. I know its nothing, but it really sort of annoys me. I know I could probably just file it down with a HCS file, but I don't know, it would sort of make me feel better if I had it done professionally.

I know its nothing but I'd just like to know if its possible or would I just get laughed out the shop

if I took it into Sam on the Clyde or Steel Developments, since by lucky chance I can easily pass either of them in the next few weeks...

pics...

Poly · 13 April 2010, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

I know I could probably just file it down with a HCS file, but I don't know, it would sort of make me feel better if I had it done professionally.

On one hand you could probably just ignore it because you might as well wait till you do something serious before paying to fix it.

Quote:

or would I just get laughed out the shop

on the other its not good business for them to laugh you off with a minor repair. Besides presumably the racing people would get this fixed for the extra 0.1 knots.

neilda · 14 April 2010, 00:03

I have yet to ding a prop, but is this the sort of damage that could be filed to repair - or is that just not done to a prop?

BogMonster · 14 April 2010, 01:04

I had some damage not too much worse than that and I reckon it knocked about 2 knots off the top speed even after filing it down.

I'd probably not bother with that though, leave it till after a proper rotavating session.

two stroke mick · 14 April 2010, 09:32

I have caught a ali prop in a rope. The prop looked to be ok no visable marks but it did not feel right. I sent it to Steel developments for checking and it was out of pitch.

Erin · 14 April 2010, 12:55

I did something similar, probably worse to two blades on my prop last year with one of those random biuts of granite that lurk just under the surface. I filed it smooth, and can't say I've noticed any difference since.
http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31751
I suppose it may affect vibration slightly, but having felt the weight of the thing, a few grams can't make that much of a difference.

jyasaki · 14 April 2010, 16:37

Personally, I'd lightly smooth the edges with a file and forget about it.

jky

spartacus · 14 April 2010, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Personally, I'd lightly smooth the edges with a file and forget about it.

jky

One thing to watch. You could introduce a ferrous metal from whatever was filed before and start corrosion. Probably safe enough to do it with a new file that hasn't been used on anything else. That's my tuppence worth.

Chris · 14 April 2010, 23:57

Take the rough edges away with some wet'n'dry sand paper then forget it.

Also if you want to get it fixed don't bother with Steel Developments they are rude and unhelpful and they did a shit job on my prop. Speak to these guys instead...

http://www.propellersolutions.co.uk/

jyasaki · 15 April 2010, 16:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

One thing to watch. You could introduce a ferrous metal from whatever was filed before and start corrosion. Probably safe enough to do it with a new file that hasn't been used on anything else. That's my tuppence worth.

The corrosion from introduced ferrous sources (contaminated file or emery cloth or whatever) is primarily cosmetic. Stainless doesn't fall to rust sheets because you put a bit of mild steel on it.

jky

phillnjack · 15 April 2010, 21:48

Unless your into racing at over 50mph that dont even count as damage.

Get some wt n dry, clean it up then use a bit of polish to get it shiny again.

would be a sin to pay for repair on that prop

that will no way give any decrease in speed that would be noticable.

Maybe 0.01 mph

phill

gotchiguy · 15 April 2010, 22:00

Ok, many thanks for your advice. It looks tomorrow as if I will be working quite close to Steel Developments, so having spoken to them on the phone, I plan to pop in to see what they can do. I'm not the most practically minded person

, not that it's difficult to get a bit of wetndry or a metal file, but I still like to have it seen to professionally.

Besides, I'm just about to order a Renegade 4 blader, (I was already going to before this happened), so switching to that will put my mind at rest even more, not that really theres anything to worry about.

What do you reckon I could get for a 22" Viper?

Much appreciate the advice, Gotchi

gotchiguy · 15 April 2010, 22:05

Sorry accidentally posted twice

Mollers · 15 April 2010, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

What do you reckon I could get for a 22" Viper?

I'll give you £100 inc post allowing for the fact it's damaged.

Bigmuz7 · 15 April 2010, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I had some damage not too much worse than that and I reckon it knocked about 2 knots off the top speed even after filing it down.

Whaaaat ?

your telematics must be good

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I'd probably not bother with that though,

uhuh .. I agree .. apart from getting the wifes nail file to it

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

can't say I've noticed any difference since.

Agreed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Take the rough edges away with some wet'n'dry sand paper then forget it.

Agreed

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

The corrosion from introduced ferrous sources (contaminated file or emery cloth or whatever) is primarily cosmetic. Stainless doesn't fall to rust sheets because you put a bit of mild steel on it.

jky

Agreed

Mind you dont get too many.. cos with a stainless .. your gearbox will be taking a ding too .. but at that level Rub it down .. forget it... and power on

willk · 15 April 2010, 22:50

I'm with Biggers on this one - we loose our Prop Virginity sooner rather than later. Treasure the story and move on - it'll be the skeg the next time, now THAT is ugly