X442 + small weed = nicked blade... is this normal?

[champion221elite]

Like the title says, is it normal to suffer a nicked blade on an Octura prop after making contact with a very small aquatic weed? The lake I'm running in is plenty deep, and has sparse weeds that grow within inches of the surface. There are no Zebra Mussels in this lake... just the weed was enough to put a nick on my blade.

[JimClark]

Aluminum or Berylium

[champion221elite]

BeCu prop material. The weed was hanging from my rudder when I brought it back to the dock.

Would a harder material such as Stainless Steel, or even a Grim Racer prop with their Titanium content fare better against weed induced blade damage?

[tlandauer]

You must have some tough weed, I get weed on my rudder and sometimes all twisted on the prop, never really had any damage to my Octura props. I would steer clear of this area of the lake if it is possible. Stainless props such as the ones you get from Proboat need to be thinned and I don't think in the end will be bullet proof for weed cutting. Same goes for the Grim Racer props, they may be stronger in stock form, but a properly thinned/balanced/polished one is just as delicate. I have a hunch that you hit somthing else than just the weed you saw from your rudder.
Just my opinion.

[champion221elite]

I suppose its possible that I may have hit something else besides a weed. I have waded through that area several times in the past and found it to be free of debris, and at least knee deep. Looks like i might have to find an alternate boating spot.

[JimClark]

Don't think a weed would do that to the prop

[Savage Skidoo]

Turtle or a back of a fish ........maybe .......but no weeds could cause such damage :)

[Savage Skidoo]

Can you post a picture for us too see please

[champion221elite]

I have already cleaned up the X442 to the best of my abilities. I used a fine file to smooth the damage and some 600 grit paper to blend the area. Its cleaned up, but the balance is almost certainly off now.