| A boater should periodically remove and inspect | | | | shaft should be removed by sliding them off. The |
| the boat prop. The boat prop is exposed to | | | | propeller will come off easily form its seat on the |
| water and damages easily. The blades of the boat | | | | thrust washer. The thrust washer should be |
| prop can get cut and nicked. The boat prop | | | | removed a replaced. To remove the thrust |
| draws in aquatic plants and fishing line which can | | | | washer, the washer should be tapped lightly using |
| impact the efficiency of fuel delivery to the prop. | | | | a rubber mallet. If the washer does not come off, |
| A periodic removal, inspection and repair of the | | | | a flathead screwdriver can be used to remove |
| prop are the most important part of boat | | | | the washer. The shaft should be greased with |
| maintenance. | | | | marine grade grease for easy removal the next |
| The first step in removing a boat prop is to | | | | time. |
| gather the tools and equipment for the procedure. | | | | A Prop Puller can be used to pull the prop easily. |
| A pair of leather gloves will keep the hands of the | | | | The prop puller is a device specifically used to |
| boater safe during the process. The tools required | | | | remove the prop. The puller is fastened to the |
| are a pair of pliers, a flathead screwdriver, a | | | | prop and tightened till the prop falls off. Though |
| rubber mallet, a deep well socket and ratchet, a | | | | prop pullers are efficient and time saving devices, |
| two by four and a 12 inc h adjustable wrench. A | | | | the propeller will come off suddenly and fall to the |
| Prop Puller is a device specially intended to | | | | ground. This could damage the prop. Adequate |
| remove the prop. | | | | cushioning should be placed on the ground to |
| The next step is to remove the nut retainer | | | | prevent damage caused by the impact of the fall. |
| which will be in the form of a cotter pin or locking | | | | A new inexpensive prop puller called the, |
| tab washer. The cotter pin can be straightened | | | | 'Harmonic', prop puller connects to the nut and |
| using pliers and a firm pull will remove the pin. The | | | | vibrates the propeller off. The vibration is |
| tabs of the locking tab washer should be dislodged | | | | produced by hitting the puller with a hammer. |
| if the washer is retaining the nut by pushing the | | | | They are designed to remove propellers easily. |
| tabs from underneath using a flathead | | | | Portable Prop Puller kits are available with all tools |
| screwdriver. | | | | and a harmonic puller in a handy case that enables |
| The propeller nut will be exposed after the | | | | easy portability on the boat for emergency prop |
| retainer is removed. A two by four should be | | | | removal and replacement. |
| wedged firmly between the blades and the gear | | | | Learning how to remove a boat prop is useful for |
| to prevent rotation. A socket and ratchet or | | | | regular maintenance of the prop, emergency |
| wrench can be used to remove the nut. After | | | | replacement of the prop and as a result optimum |
| removing the nut, any spacers connecting the | | | | performance of the boat. |