Boating on the Ohio has its own set of problems, as I would expect any river would. Last night while heading back to the dock we struck a submerged log. I initially thought something had fallen over on the back deck (the sound was a solid, single "wump)". I did notice a slight vibration afterwards and a different "sound" to the motors. We made it back to the dock without any other problems. Once at the dock it became apparent all was not well. While trying to back into the slip, the port engine consistently stalled out which it has never done previously. I'm thinking that there's probably prop damage, but the stalling has me more concerned.

On a positive note, I'd anticipated replacing the props as the surveyor noted that the current ones are worn down from use. Happily I have 2 replacements.

Would anyone have any insight into what I may possibly have to check? I don't know that the timing has been thrown off or ???.

Bill

Struts can be deflected backwards by a rock hit, my first M [28 express single] had hit rock at charity islands w/former owner. Still bent when we purchased it, buddy and i pulled it back into aliangment w/threaded rod from log to strut w/shaft removed. Bent strut had earen cutlass up,removed old bearing before pulling.we pulled a little checked w/shaft through strut until it was straight.after done you could see a slight deflection in hull from strut deflection,but was once again straight.good luck,let us know the out come. I almost hit a log last sept,as i cleared the peir head at Oscoda{home port],very little was above water,20 foot long,luckily it was paralell[sp] to boat as i passed it.

Maybe he found Jimmy Hoffa?

Hello Bill,
Sorry to hear of your boating issues. Where are you ported at? 4 seasons? I am presently at LBYC.
Rob

I'LL TRY TO STOP AND SEE YOU BOTH SOON, WE ARE GOING TO BE A MANHATTON THE WEEKEND OF THE 23RD. AND GOING ON UPSTREAM FROM THERE THE FOLLOWING WEEK.

DOUG...

Well, I'm convinced God must own a !! He smiled on me...

Took the boat out into the Ohio (where the "icky factor" is much less than sittin' in the marina). Couple of dives under the boat found nothing wrong (that feeling around could verify) on the port system (shaft, rudder, prop). Starboard side came up with one blade of the prop having a 2 - 3 inch bend in the edge. So it mush not have been too big a log and/or was in pretty sad shape and the prop was able to cut thru it. I was able to straighten most of the deformity but once I get something more solid as a "backer", I should be able to shape it back to almost normal under water.

Would there be a preference as to what material would be best suited as a backer? Normally, I'd go with steel but given the nature of Marinettes, I thought it best to ask the forum first.

Either way, it looks like another prolonged period holdin' my breath. If I was younger, I'd have this down pat...
... my mom said I could hold my breath quite a long time.

... but then, she'd just caught my brother and I sneaking her smokes!

Bill

For a backer, use anything that's good and heavy, and fits the blade area. Don't worry about metal contamination.

Jeff

PS: Don't forget to hold your breath!