@ROGUE111 What
@jcyamaharider said.
I also found several spots with missing factory sealant in a new boat...
(trying to find some pics, I was pretty disturbed by the extend of gaps left from factory, clearly w/potential for sucking air from the bilge)
Regarding the impeller - you could start by ordering a new OEM impeller and in the meantime pull the old/damaged one and see if you can file that lip - if that is
the only damage - it may still be okay as a spare.
I would also
highly recommend the Lucky 13 cone for your single engine boat. Those work phenomenally well for what you need, but only with the OEM impellers. With Solas and Skats you will likely always have more cavitation on hard/heavy hole shots due to their shorter blades.
Here are some pics of my tunnel gap-proofing job. Keep in mind, it does not need to look pretty, there is no evidence I know of to indicate the tunnel needs to be "blue-printed" to high shine to improve performance. But it does need to be sealed!
BTW - I use regular (not fast cure) fresh/brand new 3M 5200 inside the tunnel/transom plate/wear ring.
I also have a habit of sealing the intake grates and bolts (outside the tunnel) with silicone (black in the pics), but that is not required at all (you just need to seal the "shoe" - to prevent sucking air from inside the boat). I only cover the bolts with silicone to protect them so they don't get as cruddy if I need to take them off in the future.
(sorry about bad pics!)
Before (see how bad some of the gaps are - no sealant in some places at all!!!!):
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And some smaller gaps, but can be just as bad for performance:
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And after (w/great performance):
View attachment 64851
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Here is the outside of intake grates (sealed w/black silicone only)
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And after (that silicone strips easily if needed so this is not permanent - unlike 5200):
View attachment 64852
And here is my impeller tool - the other end with impeller holder-tool is in a large vise (no pic) - works every time (in conjunction with a 8ft cheater bar, lol), keep in mind it is a left-handed thread, so push down (in the pic) to take it off:
View attachment 64853
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