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Hit a Gator - 2014 Evinrude 115 Etec

C

CLAY530

New member
Having some issues with my 2014 evinrude 115 etec after hitting a gator.

Was going down a canal an hit a gator going full speed. Now having some motor issues.

The motor still idles fine and I was able to go up to about 10 mph without issues, however when try to go full speed (speed i hit the gator) my prop seems to disengage or seemingly goes into neutral. Motor revs high but power is no longer going to the prop.

I'm thinking something is stripped out or some sensor is acting up.

Any thoughts? How f***ed am i?
 
All above suggestions are dead on. It's possible you have bent blades and your prop is cavitating. More than likely your prop hub has spun and now under high torque conditions the prop shaft is slipping. The good thing is this is exactly what it is supposed to do to protect your engine. If you have an interchangeable hub you can just order a new center piece and you're back on the water.

KJ
 
For those that are not aware that may have a bit of confusion with the explanation(s) above.................

With very few exceptions pertaining to various models of very low hp engines, propellers consist of three components... the propeller itself, a bronze hub, and a portion of rubber between the two pressed together so tightly that when the hub moves, the propeller moves. A necessary design to absorb shock when suddenly put into motion via shifting into gear.

Eventually, normally many (MANY) years later, the rubber deteriorates or perhaps sooner... the propeller finds itself engaging a almost irresistible, immovable force, as in my case many years ago... a Railway Tie just below the surface in Delaware Bay (sigh)... in other cases we shall now include Alligators! :cool:

That sudden engagement actually causes the actual propeller to stop ever so momentarily, and with the power still cranking the engine at a high rpm via a splined propshaft, the bronze hub continues to turn, resulting in the rubber between the two to become damaged, in turn allowing the prop to slip on the rubber when encountering the water pressure at the higher engine rpms.

The cure.... Either replace the propeller OR have the prop (if repairable) Re-Hubed via a reliable propeller shop.

I'd surmise the poor alligator, in this case, got the worse of it.
 
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First off, did the gator make good jerky? I've tasted it and it's great. Secondly, check to make sure the prop shaft isn't bent. Thirdly......remember to keep an extra prop on board.....then go Gator hunting.
 
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