Tore a Hustler

[Carphuntin_god]

I've got a Hustler prop that has seen relatively little use.<br /><br />Last weekend, I think I gouged it through a stump. put a tear in the prop that extends about 1/2" from tip of blade towards center. It also bent the prop at the tear so that it's about 1/8" offset at the tip of blade.<br /><br />Now, the purpose of Hustler's is to make replacement easy, and to make the prop housing cheap so you can replace instead of repair.<br /><br />Wondering...would it be worth trying to find someone just to tap this thing back into shape and tag weld it? Or maybe just attempt to bend it myself and not weld at all?<br /><br />I have to say... the original prop on my 40 Mariner went for years taking all kinds of hits and dings. Never, even when striking rock, did get this damaged in one hit deal. Makes me wonder if the Hustler's are not just cheap to replace, but also aren't a great grade of aluminum.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Tore a Hustler

I'm not impressed with the aftermarket aluminum props. I shredded 3 before realizing SS was the way to go for me. They were getting destroyed from simple sand gouging or small debris pieces on the tidal Potomac. I even went with the ProPulse thinking hey...replace the blades. After 4 $20 blades, enough was enough.<br /><br />I had a bass boat with stock Suzuki prop that took quite a few hits that didn't show near the damage.

 

[JB]

Re: Tore a Hustler

Moving to General Outboard

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Tore a Hustler

I would replace it. It would cost almost as much to weld and rebalance.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Tore a Hustler

Wondering...would it be worth trying to find someone just to tap this thing back into shape and tag weld it? Or maybe just attempt to bend it myself and not weld at all?<br /><br />

No insult intended, but for the sake of learning, "This" is exactly why there are unfortunate circumstances just waiting to happen out there.<br />You already have the correct replys in one aspect, in another, just replace it-it's darn cheap insurance.