Bent prop and tracking fin

Unfortunately we dead -centered a mostly submerged tree last week in our 1999 GT 40 - Air.
We weren't hurt, and it appears the damage is a bent first tracking fin (I think those are called) and of course the prop is modified now (bent pretty good).

We were able to limp home (several miles in a pretty bad storm) got soaked, but the boat would make about 5 MPH without shaking badly. We have a covered dock and lift so we have the boat safely secured.

I believe the prop is an ACME 422 so I ordered one. I believe from just rotating the shaft that it is not bent, seems very true and smooth.

My question is about the bent 1st tracking fin; the 2nd and 3rd one are fine, the first one took the brunt of the hit. It almost looks like I could straighten it with angle irons and clamps, but I thought I would ask this group. I was hoping to replace the prop on the lift so I don't have to pull the boat, but if I need to address the fin, seal it back, etc., I would need to pull the boat.
Any advice? Where could I purchase a fin?

Thanks,

Gary

Thanks, I ordered a new fin. Seems like less trouble and July 4th is fast approaching.

Gary

The base and screws should be sealed to the hull. I suggest 3M 4200.

Hey Gary,

3 years ago I was in a gosh darn hurry loading my boat on my Eagle (raised bunk) trailer... I was coming in hot and slightly off center and bumped my lead fin on the bunk and knocked the fin clear off... I recovered the fin and screws from the water and fixed it once I got home. I couldn't believe the fin came off as easy as it did as it wasn't much of a bump... but now that I think about it... I'd rather the fins pop off than sustaining any serious fiberglass damage if I hit something...

I can't remember if I had to straighten it or not but it is brass and easy to do! There wasn't really any damage to the hull but it stripped the screw holes... to fix:

-clean all the sealant off best you can..
-if screw holes are stripped even the slightest... fill with a little marine/fiberglass epoxy
-drill pilot holes in the new fully cured epoxy.
-clean surface again with rubbing alcohol... apply your 3m4200 on base of fin and screw back into place...

check the other fins while you are down there.

You should be able to do it all while on your lift.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Turns out the bent tracking fin was damaged last year hauling out the boat at the end of the season. The marina ramp was congested and the angle was bad so I clipped the fin on the bunk coming in. It's now replaced.

ACME 422 prop installed, and my only struggle was removing the bent one without a prop puller. (I was certain my 6" gear puller would work, but it did not). I was able to borrow one from the marina owner and other than the loud explosion when the old prop came off (I was warned this would happen) it was a simple matter to change out. Those ACME prop pullers are definitely worth the money.

Thanks again, we're ready for the 4th!

Gary

Thumbs up on the lapping.