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**knottybuoyz** · 13-06-2008, 18:56

Well I knew it was going too good. Friday the 13th. jumped right up and bit us on the arse!

We're cruising down the river at dusk doing 3000 RPM @ 24 kts and "BANG" we hit something, the drive kicks up a bit and the vibrations started right away. Slowed and circled back and saw some debris in the water, remains of a tree branch. Nursed her home and docked. Trimmed the drive all the way up and before I had a chance to stick my hand in the water I could see a good portion of the prop blades are missing. It's a VP duoprop and the fwd prop has about 30% of two blades missing and the aft prop has about 20% of two blades missing! Damn, I knew it was going too well!

**Pblais** · 13-06-2008, 19:32

Quote:

before I had a chance to stick my hand in the water I could see a good portion of the prop blades are missing. It's a VP duoprop and the fwd prop has about 30% of two blades missing and the aft prop has about 20% of two blades missing! Damn, I knew it was going too well!

You give up your towing sideline because of prop damage and this is the reward. Maybe you should rename the boat. A little bad luck might reverse the trend.

DeepFrz · 13-06-2008, 19:44

I think we better buy stock in the company that makes your props.

**knottybuoyz** · 13-06-2008, 19:46

Ok fellas! Rub it in! Now lets here from the sailboaters how this would never happen to them cause of the deep keels! C'mon lemme have it!

44'cruisingcat · 13-06-2008, 20:30

Well, we might hit something, but we're not gonna hit it at 24 knots.

**Pblais** · 13-06-2008, 20:32

The basic don't hit anything rule of boating somehow has not been understood.

maxingout · 13-06-2008, 20:53

I'm not superstitious, but two years ago on Friday the 13th, we were peacefully anchored in Bequia, and a 115 foot motor yacht crashed into our port bow destroying our bow pulpit.

**Alan Wheeler** · 13-06-2008, 23:27

Haven't you done your prop in before Rick?? Sounds like you need a Keelson and shaft mate. Or how about rubber props :-)
We have had a couple of large launches hit trees here over the years. I know it's a pain loosing the prop, but think yourself real lucky you haven't hit a large log end on. One ex fishing trawler here had that happen. It drove through up through the bow and caused a lot of damage. Lucky no one was hurt of killed.

**knottybuoyz** · 14-06-2008, 02:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Well, we might hit something, but we're not gonna hit it at 24 knots.

And here I thought those sailin' cats were fast!!!

Oh Paul, I understand the "don't hit anything" rule but apparently "Auto" who was driving doesn't!

Yes Wheels we've done in a few props now. Mostly while towing sailboats off the rocks! *lol* Hence Paul's reference to towing!

There's a lot of junk comes floating down the river this year. We've had a lot of rain and the water level is very high. We just missed a section of dock the other night. Last yr we narrowly avoided a picnic table. I turned around to put a line on it and it was gone. Waterlogged I guess.

Oh well that's boating I guess. We'll get them rebuilt but will miss a weeks boating. :: Shrug ::

**knottybuoyz** · 14-06-2008, 05:06

Ouch! But, not as bad as I thought. They're fixable!

dacust · 14-06-2008, 18:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by knottybuoyz

Ouch! But, not as bad as I thought. They're fixable!

Ouch! They don't look TOO bad, but I bet they vibrate just a touch.

You may have thought of this already, but I have an extra set of wheels. Buy a new set and put them on while you send those off for rebuild. When I haul my boat, if the props are marginal I would probably leave them, not wanting the downtime while waiting. But with an extra set, I just swap them out and send the other set in when I get a round tuit.

**knottybuoyz** · 14-06-2008, 18:21

I did have an extra set but they were B6's and too much prop for the boat. Sold those and have been looking for a used set of B4's or 5's. Guess that wait is over! *lol* I'll have these patched up as backups and fit the new set when they get here.

delmarrey · 14-06-2008, 21:44

It could have been worst. Deadheads are an on going problem in our area.

'Deadhead' logs posing serious danger to boaters | Local News | KING5.com | News for Seattle, Washington

Lancerbye · 14-06-2008, 23:39

Logs, dead heads , and props or legs don't mix. When cruising at a slow speed of 6 to 8 knots I haven't had too much problem, even though I did kinda rool over a few. When I still had high speed boats I am sure I kept a small repair shop employed all by my self. I cruised in the PNW and yes logs and deadheads are a menace. After all this is logging country. A friend of mine running a 24 foot cruiser just ahead of me hit a log directly crosswise once doing about 35 knots. I saw daylight under his entire boat and thought for sure that he was done for, but the lucky stiff came out of it with no damage.