Challenger 180 cavitation issue

[Cparkner02]

Hello,
First day vacationing in the obx and got sand/small rocks in my intake, now getting intermittent cavitation with revs going up to 8k. Thinking it needs a new prop and wear ring, would love any input, please see pics of impeller and let me know what you think. Thanks!

 

[gb387]

It's hard to tell from the photos but it looks like the gap is uneven around the impeller, possibly a bent impeller? Also the chip edges can cause an issue, it could be a combination of the wearing and impeller damage. Rocks are no good! It almost the wear rings has corrosion underneath it and has swollen in a few places? Just some thoughts.

 

[Cparkner02]

Thanks for the reply....i did get the boat back in the water and running pretty nicely, but the acceleration out of the hole is not what it used to be, i think i will change the wear ring and impeller to upgraded solas

 

[Cparkner02]

One more thought....my cavitation was occuring with the boat at occupancy, does weight/load have an impact?

 

[JPass]

One more thought....my cavitation was occuring with the boat at occupancy, does weight/load have an impact?

Yes, a fully loaded boat will cavitate more than a boat with just the driver or a lot less weight.

 

[UPTHECREEK]

Yes you definitely need a prop and wear ring. Looking at your pic and I see a lot of daylight between the blades and wear ring. I never start my engine or run in less than at least 3ft of water. I've learned the hard way over the years..... Good Luck

 

[DougsNewToy2019]

If you don't want to buy a new one, there are places that re-pitch the stock impellers!

 

[James.Moon]

Yes the prop is pretty ragged - especially at the 7 o'clock position in the pic. Prop and wear ring change for starters. The more weight your are pulling the more cavitation on start up. I find mine has more cavitation upon acceleration than when new, but once up on plain it performs well.
I have run mine into sand a couple of times with no damage - rocks are another story - got to watch that depth gage if you have one.