When getting your boat ready for the season, don’t forget that prop maintenance is as important as checking out the engine, hull and accessories on your boat. In fact, the following steps should be used every time you take your boat out on the water, but certainly after three or four days of boating fun.
- Inspect the leading edges for nicks, gouges or other damage. The longer a damaged blade goes undetected and un-repaired, the greater the risk of impaired performance, or worse, blade failure.
- Props with large, deep dents, gouges or torn material should be replaced or, give us a call to see if it can be repaired.
- Sand and silt can affect a propeller’s trailing edges and reduce cup. This will lead to longer planning times, higher engine rpm, more fuel use and lower top-end speed. While BBLADES can add or remove cup, this type of damage is often un-repairable and you should seriously consider a new prop.
- Mineral deposits on stainless wheels can be removed with cleaning products like Lim-A-Way (or save some money and use vinegar), but be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions carefully when using these products.
Transporting and stowing your props correctly can also prevent damage. BBLADES offers a number of different options from prop covers to cases to the B-Stow stationary mount.