Published: 15 Jan 2015
Boat Projects & Solutions
A series of FREE Mini Guides for boating projects that run through the basic steps for the practical boat owner. This Mini Guide concentrates on what to look for when inspecting, repairing or renewing the Underwater Gear including the propeller and cutlass bearing condition.
Propellers can often be repaired so it is worth while checking the condition when out of the water.
Key points to look for include bent blades, chips & nicks, damage at the boss (the centre point where the blades meet) or signs that electrolysis has set in.
Chips & nicks can easily be filled and cleaned as a repair. Bent blades can also usually be reshaped & then re-balanced.
Damage at the boss or electrolysis fatigue usually requires a new propeller.
Look for signs of ‘pinkness’ which indicates electrolysis and tap the propeller blade to see if it has an unfortunate ‘dull thud’ indicating a fault, or a healthy ‘ring’ to it.
Found within the ‘P’ Bracket, the Cutlass Bearing holds the propeller shaft true whilst allowing for rotation.
If there is significant play or wear a replacement is wise to prevent damaging more expensive underwater gear, the gearbox or engine.
Check the condition of the propeller shaft nut and split pin holding the propeller in place and replace if necessary.
Additional equipment for underwater gear projects.
