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