Balancing DPH props - how much?

[kennyh]

Hi all

I've a Volvo D4-260 with DPH Sterndrive on my 30ft Jeanneau Prestige mobo.

Unfortunately I've not had any opportunities to have her this year until the last couple of weeks, and now I'm noticing slightly more vibration when underway than I recall having last year.

I had a look at the leg and the props (as best as I could with it in the water) and there appears to be some very minor distortion on a few of the blade leading edges, so I'm wondering if I should have the props serviced / balanced to see if that resolves the minor vibrations.

Has anyone had there DPH props serviced/balanced and if so could they advise likely cost along with recommendations on who to use for that service?

Thanks
Kenny.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Steel Developments quote £55+vat for blade repair to the three blade dph, and £62+vat for the four blade. All plus p&p. Haven't used them yet but will be giving them a try (for rebushing) later in the summer.

 

[Kittycarter]

Steel Developments quote £55+vat for blade repair to the three blade dph, and £62+vat for the four blade. All plus p&p. Haven't used them yet but will be giving them a try (for rebushing) later in the summer.

I have used steel developments and found them very good. Quick service and they do a very good job. Recommend them

 

[rafiki_]

Another thumbs up for Steel Dev. Great job and super value. Had 6 or 7 props fixed by them, even one that I thought was a total loss.

 

[oldgit]

Doubt that a few minor dings are going to cause any noticable vibration.Outdrives also tend to appear to vibrate both at rest when engines are running and of course when under underway.
If you are sensing more vibration than usual it may well be weed and fouling on the bottom,if the boat has not been used frequently.
Has it been lifted recently. ?
Fouling can cause the engines to struggle /work harder and cause extra vibration. ?

 

[kennyh]

Boat is in freshwater with some limited slime, but that could be the cause.

I also noticed that the cone nut at the props is slightly dinged. So that might not be helping either.

 

[oldgit]

If boat in on river or lake have you come into contact with the bottom ?
It could be a slow speed impact that you did not notice that may have bent a blade as opposed to some high speed obvious. to all crunch.

On previous boat with outdrives actually kept a spare set of props aboard,so frequent was contact with river bed.
Probably best to stick to alloy props as well,not stainless.