Changing a boat prop periodically will help to increase the performance of the boat. The performance of a boat is determined by the performance of the prop. The propeller is exposed to water and underwater obstacles more than any other part of the boat. Boat propellers can fail easily because of greater exposure. Changing boat props will improve boating enjoyment and make the engine system last longer.
To change a boat prop the boater requires the protection of leather gloves. Hand tools including a pair of pliers, a flathead screwdriver, marine grease, a torch wrench and a ratchet are required to change a boat prop. A compatible propeller should replace the old propeller. All components like the thrust washer, washers and spacers should be replaced for better performance. A notepad and pen should be handy.
Screwdriver Kit
The first step is protection and the boater should wear leather gloves.
The second step is to remove the old propeller. To remove the old propeller the device that retains the nut should be removed. This is usually a cotter pin or a locking tab washer. The cotter pin should be straightened using pliers till it comes off. The locking tab washer should be removed by putting a flathead screwdriver under the tabs to unlock them. The nut should be loosened and removed using the ratchet. The old thrust washer should also be removed. A note should be made of how the prop was removed. The new prop should be replaced by reversing the process. Once the nut is removed, the old prop can be removed easily.
The next step in the process of how to change a boat prop is to clean the shaft. The spinning prop will draw in fishing lines and aquatic plants which need to be removed. Once the shaft is clean marine grade waterproof grease should be applied on the surface of the shaft. If the shaft has splines and grooves each spline and groove should be greased. Put a new thrust washer on the shaft and make sure that it sits snugly.
Seat the new propeller correctly on the thrust washer. Replace any washers or spacers behind the new propeller. Tighten the nut with a torch wrench to the torque specified in the manual. If there is no manual the dealer of the prop will. Tell you the correct torque. Put the retaining device back in place. If it is a cotter pin tighten the pin till it is finger tight. If the retaining device is a locking tab washer bent all the tabs or at least two tabs with a flathead screwdriver and twist till the washer is finger tight. Checking the note made while removing the old prop will help in placing the new prop correctly.
Changing the prop will dramatically improve the performance of the boat. If the boat is not performing to its optimum capacity, the boater must consider changing the propeller. In some cases when the prop hits an obstacle and suffers damage, learning how to change the prop and to install a spare prop will come in very handy.