Prop Check!
Published: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
By: Professionals of Henry H. Smith Co.
It’s that time of year again! You’re buying sunscreen in bulk, loading up coolers with sandwiches, and heading down to the boat. But, before you pull away from the dock, make sure your propeller is just as prepared as you are.
One of the often overlooked aspects of boat prep is making sure that your propeller is in proper working condition. A damaged or unbalanced propeller can cause undue strain on your motor, seals, bearings, as well as your hull. This negatively impacts fuel economy as well as overall performance. Even a slight imbalance can cause RPM differences between motors that can affect engine and steering performance.
Visual inspection of your propeller is the best first-step and an easy way to discover dents, bends, and electrolysis marks – all indicators of issues with the propeller. Propellers can be damaged in many ways, sometimes without even noticing the impact. Hitting bottom is not an uncommon issue but unnoticed damage can occur from contact with floating debris or when moving the boat onto her trailer.
When you’re checking your propeller, be sure to inspect the nut and locking mechanism, making sure both are secured tightly and locked properly.
This is also a good time to check and make sure that you have the proper spare parts for your boat. You wouldn’t drive your car without a spare tire; don’t let your summer fun be ruined by a lost or damaged propeller while out on the water! Having a spare propeller and hub kit (if required) on your boat helps ensure that you’ll avoid ending up stranded or needing to call a tow. Most propellers can be removed and installed while the boat is in the water. Composite propellers – AKA emergency propellers – are available for many applications, are made of light-weight plastic, and will get you safely back to shore. These propellers can be installed using your existing or spare hub kit components.
Making sure your propeller and spare parts are ready to go before you get on the water can prepare you for an uninterrupted summer of boating fun!
Written In The Spirit of Henry H.
Founded in Detroit by Henry H. and William H. Smith, the company continues to employ 3rd and 4th generation members of the family, carrying on a legacy established in 1900 - to be your Marine Drive Specialists. Find out more at www.henrysmith.com.
This article first appeared in the Launch Issue (May/Jun) 2019 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Propellers, Service & Repair
