Your recreational boat's propeller will likely need to be replaced at some point. Striking a sandbar could cause extensive damage to the propeller blades. If the propeller cannot be salvaged, use the guidelines below to replace it.

Assess The Propeller

If the propeller stops working while you are out on the water, you may need to have your boat towed back to land. After docking your boat, inspect the propeller. Locate the ventilation plate that is above the propeller.

Wedge a piece of wood between the plate and the propeller. This step will prevent the propeller blades from moving. Use a ratchet and sockets or a screwdriver to remove the hardware that is securing the propeller to your boat. 

Purchase A Replacement

If you do not have a spare propeller on hand, you will need to purchase a replacement from a marine materials supplier. A performance propeller is typically found on recreational boats that contain outboard motors. Propellers are made of diecast materials, aluminum, or steel.

Diecast materials are metal alloys. Aluminum is an affordable metal material that is used to manufacture high-quality propellers. Steel propellers are usually more expensive than diecast and aluminum ones. Although a steel propeller will likely cost more, it is a propeller type that will typically last for a long time.

Provide a merchant with the model number of the original propeller. The merchant will furnish you with a replacement propeller that is constructed of the material that you have requested.

Install The New Propeller

Use a cleaning cloth to clean the shaft that the new propeller will be threaded through. The cloth will remove salt and other debris that is stuck on the shaft. Thread the backend of the propeller onto the shaft. Realign the hardware pieces. Use hand tools to tighten the hardware.

Apply a lubricant to the shaft and the propeller. A lubricant will support the smooth movement of the propeller blades. It will ensure that metal pieces do not rub together while the propeller is engaged. A marine-formulated lubricant will not wash off while your boat is actively being used.

Inspect The Propeller

It is a good idea to inspect your recreational boat's propeller after using your boat. Inspecting the propeller will ensure that seaweed, fishing lines, and other types of debris are not tangled around the propeller blades. During each inspection, visually assess the condition of each propeller blade. Make sure that none of the blades are cracked or bent.

Contact a company like Ace Propeller to learn more.