Hit a log/Rock with my motor

[bowman316]

So last weekend I was crusing along a creek, about 20 mph, and I hit something under water (prob a log). The boat was untouched, but the motor hit it and just rode over it.

After i got back, I noticed there was nick in the fin that goes below the prop, about the size of half a nickle. There is also a gouge down the side of the gearcase, where the bulge is for the prop shaft, this gouge is maybe half the thickness of the steel, but I can see that it did not penetrate thru to the gearcase.

So should I worry about this, or am i ok to keep running the motor?
It ran fine the rest of the day.
The prop (which i just had rebuilt!) got only a small nick in it.

 

[crxess]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

If you want, you could clean it up and mix up some JB Weld to fill things in. Once it cures, it can be filed/sanded and painted. QB Quick works in 5 minutes.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

personally i would not worry about it. i would check lower lube for water intrusion, periodically, until you are sure it is not leaking. besure to use new seals on the drain and vent plugs, they are one time use only.

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

I agree that I wouldn't worry about it too much, but as TD said, keep an eye on the lower unit oil after each trip for a few trips to be sure it's not leaking. If you do take the JB weld route, you will need to sand it down to bare metal and prep the area appropriately before applying it. Otherwise, it won't stick and will simply fall off when under way again.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

i figured i would post a pic of the nick in my fin. it is the size of half a quarter.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

you could smooth it out, for looks, buy will not hurt the performance.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

Does not seem a big deal where it is. Cosmetic only.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

No worries, I have whacked alot of stuff in the water and been fine, the real problem is prop strikes, they will take out a lower but it sounds like you barely touched the prop so I wouldn't worry either.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Hit a log/Rock with my motor

the prop was nicked, one blade got a small chunk taken out, but there is no vibration or anything. still runs fine