Maintaining Your Propeller
Most boaters know that having a damaged propeller can in turn cause damage to their engine or stern gear, hinder performance and result in poor fuel economy. Here are some tips to help to maintain your propeller and extend its life.
1. Preventative Maintenance: Propellers should be serviced at least once a year and immediately if you know that it is damaged. Watch for signs such as vibrations, a change in performance and loss of speed as indicators that the propeller should be serviced.
2. Anode Fittings: Having your boat fitted with an anode helps prevent electrolysis. Be sure that you choose the appropriate type of anode based on the location where the boat is used. If your boat is used in saltwater be sure go with a zinc anode and for use in freshwater, a magnesium one should be fitted to the boat.
3. Check Washers and Nuts: Grab the prop by the blade and check to ensure the prop does not rock back and forth more that ¼ inch. If there is any play in the prop it is likely due to compression. Start by visually inspecting the internal hub, next check the washers and nuts. It is important that they are in good condition and if compression has occurred they will no longer he holding the prop tightly.
4. Grease: Apply marine grade grease to the propeller shaft. This keeps the stainless steel shaft from bonding to the propeller.
Stay tuned for more in our series on propellers…
