Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

[emmadee]

Very novice boat owner, hit log or stump on river. Had boat waiting at shop on Tuesday and still have not heard a word about extent of damage. We took pictures and not a single scratch or mark on fiberglass. If I were to be lucky and this is only the prop and strut am I totally at this shops mercy for repairs? When I have taken cars to body shop for damage, they can usually tell you within hours what you are up against or at least a ballpark. Is this the norm for boats to hurry up and wait? Is it not possible for me to have someone pull that prop off and us replace it and the strut? I am assuming we would know real quick after that if the shaft is bent then obviously would need that replaced. I hear the shafts are pretty flexible.

Again, very new first time boat owner and a woman on top of that! Very aggravated that I still do not know after 3 days what I am even up against from shop where I took it to.

Thanks!

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

Yes, hurry up and wait with boat repairs during peak season. Best to have them check damage, alignment, parts etc. and determine fix from there.

 

[doyall]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

My experience with I/O's is that latent damage is inevitable. Can't help but think things wouldn't be that much different with inboards. Could be a good reason all of the marine mechanics I have ever dealt with were consistently "running behind".

I hope you have a good insurance policy.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[emmadee]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

Yes, hurry up and wait with boat repairs during peak season. Best to have them check damage, alignment, parts etc. and determine fix from there.

Thanks for the reply. I hear of many of you men boat owners that have "kits" to remove props and have actually purchased one and replaced so I am just researching to see what is the norm. I guess I just didn't understand why they haven't had 30 minutes to pull her in, inspect and at least let me know if it is major or minor for my wallet.

Also apparently the "shop" I took boat to has another shop about an hour away that is not backed up so why not even tell me to take it there knowing I am anxious.

To me this is a factor to consider when making a purchase like this, research service!!

Thanks again!

 

[doyall]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

... I hear of many of you men boat owners that have "kits" to remove props and have actually purchased one and replaced ... . I guess I just didn't understand why they haven't had 30 minutes to pull her in, inspect and at least let me know if it is major or minor for my wallet. ...

Replacing a prop is simple, determining the extent of damage after a strike is where the real expertise is required. I would think any shop would prefer to do the inspection, diagnosis and repair all at one time, if possible. (Having to order parts is the big impediment there.) A disassembled boat or major parts taking up space in a shop is counterproductive. When a shop has to put a boat back together to be able to move it, somebody pays the price.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

How hard did you hit this stump/log? Was there visable damage to the outdrive? Merc outdrives are designed to spring up to minimize damage if/when they hit something. Messing up an aluminuim prop is no big deal. they are pretty simple to replace.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

Oh, nevermind. You don't have an outdrive on that thing. Goodspeed my friend....

 

[Don S]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

Big holiday weekend coming up, beginning of boating season, most shops are 1-2 weeks behind at this time. In northern states it could be closer to 2-3 weeks behind.

Probably going to need the strut straightened, new prop shaft, prop repaired if not too damaged, and that you know for sure. May even require rudder repair.
Then, when all back together and aligned they get to see if the transmission survived.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Mangled prop, bent stut, unknown if shaft damage on 2011 Moomba LSV

Any shop worth it's salt will treat you the same whether you are a man or woman. If you feel at any time belittled, disrespected, take your boat somewhere else that will treat you right. They should take the time to explain what the problem is, what may have caused it, the proper way to repair it and the expected cost in labor and parts. If they don't they are shady and don't give them your $$. These were huge pet peeves of mine and I packed my tools and left more than one auto shop because of it. Hopefully you will be back on the water soon! And remember, we were all new to boating at one point. Don't beat yourself up over it.