Propellor repairs - using plastic metal or "Quick Steel"

[Robert Wilson]

Is it feasible/practical to "bulk out" damage to the centre of my two-blade (approx 15" blade diam) prop using plastic metal type compounds. The key (someone ages ago must have used a non-brass/bronze metal) has disintegrated, scoring the bronze centre tube (incorrect terminology?)
As a result there is now a vibration when motoring which is more than slight.

Anyone any thoughts/experience of this sort of repair?

Boat is a Javelin 30, engine a 13HP Kubota

As usual, many thanks in anticipation of advice and comments.

 

[pvb]

I really don't think this would be a good idea, even if it seemed to work in the short term.

 

[nigelmercier]

I doubt you could use such products anywhere on a propeller, but especially not there. You could consider having it bored out and sleeved, but the viability depends on the value of the propeller.

 

[Tranona]

Talk to Steel Developments. They may be able sleeve and rebore the taper.

 

[Vara]

Even to an inveterate bodger that does not seem to be a viable plan!

 

[scottie]

Why not just have a new key way machined?

 

[Robert Wilson]

Even to an inveterate bodger that does not seem to be a viable plan!

I talked to a local engineer/fisherman who suggested I try to fix it with plastic metal (steel or bronze). He said it might work.

I think I'll enquire about boring and sleeving, as the prop is in generally sound condition.
Steel Developments' web-site looks encouraging.
Also there is a firm called FAL at Buckie who look like a good place to try.

Many thanks, one and all.

RW

 

[Topcat47]

I recently had my prop worked on by Hamble Propellors. I know it's a bit far for you, but they are very good and they have a good local reputation. They made me a new bronze key, strightened my prop shaft and re tuned my prop.

 

[Lakesailor]

How about this lot? Not so very far from you http://www.falpropellers.co.uk/

engineer/fisherman has a mechanic/farmer ring to it.....

 

[Spyro]

These lot are very good
http://www.propeller-repair.co.uk/contact.html

 

[Lakesailor]

I thought the one at Buckie was only 120 miles and could possibly be a car journey.

Clydebank is nearly 250 miles.

 

[Robert Wilson]

I thought the one at Buckie was only 120 miles and could possibly be a car journey.

Clydebank is nearly 250 miles.

Going to try F A L on Monday. They come recommended by other locals.

Money money money !!

 

[Arcady]

Actually I have used Chemical Metal to repair the blades of a badly de-zincified three blade prop on a small Yanmar diesel. I viewed it as a temporary fix, but in fact it lasted several years until we re-engined the boat. 'Bulking out' the centre boss is a very different matter though, and even if successful it seems to me that you might still need lathe work to re-work the taper properly. Not sure it's really worth the effort!

 

[cryan]

I wouldn't recomend plastic metal for several reasons but mainly due to the fact that, with the exception of Belzona, almost all varieties of chemical metal are useless. Other considerations are balance and, specifically for tapers and keyways, ability to handle torque. You could try bronze welding to build a prop back up.

 

[Robert Wilson]

I wouldn't recomend plastic metal for several reasons but mainly due to the fact that, with the exception of Belzona, almost all varieties of chemical metal are useless. Other considerations are balance and, specifically for tapers and keyways, ability to handle torque. You could try bronze welding to build a prop back up.

I accept your views. As it stands just now I am going to FAL at Buckie on Friday, with damaged prop, to either buy a replacement or get this one bored and sleeved - which they warn may be as expensive as a new prop!

If I ever buy another second-hand boat I shall definitely inspect the prop, key and taper! But better that I found out this way, rather than in a blow somewhere off Ardnamurchan Point!

Bring On Another Thousand!