Andrew Pace
Changing a boat propeller is a simple task that can be done by almost anyone, and it is a good skill for boat owners to have. It can be done in under 30 minutes with the right tools. The propeller, often called a prop, is a fan-shaped device attached to the back of a boat. It has several blades that spin around a central hub, turning the engine's power into thrust and moving the boat forward or backward. To change the propeller, first, tilt the engine to a convenient height. If your propeller assembly has a cotter pin, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove it. Brace the prop against the cavitation plate with a small block of wood to prevent it from spinning, and then use a prop wrench or socket set to remove the prop nut and washer. Once the nut and washer are removed, the propeller should slide off the shaft. If not, give it a light tap with the wood block. Before installing a new propeller, clean the shaft and apply some waterproof grease. Finally, reassemble all the parts in reverse order, taking care not to over-tighten the prop nut.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Easy-moderate |
| Estimated time | 10-30 minutes |
| Tools | Prop wrench, socket set, block of wood, needle nose pliers, hammer, flashlight, knife |
| Materials | Waterproof grease, new cotter pin |
| Step 1 | Tilt the engine to a convenient height |
| Step 2 | Remove the cotter pin with needle nose pliers |
| Step 3 | Brace the prop with a block of wood to prevent spinning |
| Step 4 | Remove the prop nut and washer |
| Step 5 | Slide off the propeller |
| Step 6 | Remove additional parts like the aft adapter, thrust washer, or Delrin sleeve |
| Step 7 | Wipe the shaft with a clean rag and check for wear and fishing line |
| Step 8 | Apply waterproof grease to the shaft |
| Step 9 | Reassemble all parts and the new propeller in reverse order |
| Step 10 | Tighten the prop nut to the proper torque |
What You'll Learn
Prepare the propeller for removal
First, tilt the engine to a convenient height so you don't have to strain your back while working on the propeller. If your propeller assembly has a cotter pin, it will be on top of the prop nut. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull out the old cotter pin and discard it.
Next, brace the prop against the cavitation plate with a small block of wood. This will prevent the propeller from spinning as you remove the prop nut. You can use a prop wrench or socket set to loosen and remove the prop nut, turning it counterclockwise. Remember to keep the parts in a straight line if you are new to this task, so you don't forget the correct order when it comes to reassembly.
Remove the nut and the washer that holds the propeller in place. If the propeller appears stuck, you can give it a light tap with the wood block to try to loosen it, but be careful not to hit it too hard to avoid breaking something.
At this point, you may find additional parts on the shaft, such as an aft adapter, a thrust washer, or a Delrin sleeve. Remove these parts and place them in the proper order for reassembly.
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Remove the cotter pin and prop nut
To remove the cotter pin and prop nut, you will need a pair of needle-nose pliers and a prop wrench or socket set. You may also need a small block of wood.
The cotter pin will be on top of the prop nut. Use the pliers to pull out the old cotter pin and discard it.
Next, use the block of wood to brace the prop against the cavitation plate. This will prevent the propeller from spinning as you remove the prop nut. Use your prop wrench or socket set to loosen and remove the prop nut, turning it counterclockwise.
When you have removed the nut and washer, the propeller should slide straight off the shaft. If it is stuck, give it a light tap with the wood block to try to loosen it. Be careful not to hit it too hard, or you may break something.
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Detach the propeller
First, tilt the engine to a convenient height so you don't have to strain your back while working on the propeller. If your propeller assembly has a cotter pin, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull it out and discard it. The cotter pin will be on top of the prop nut.
Next, brace the prop against the cavitation plate with a block of wood. This will stop the propeller from spinning as you remove the prop nut. Now, use a prop wrench or socket set to remove the prop nut, screwing counterclockwise. Remember not to over-tighten the prop nut. Remove the nut and the washer that holds the propeller in place.
If the propeller appears stuck, give it a light tap with the wood block to try to loosen it. Don't hit it too hard, or you risk breaking something. Once the nut and washer are removed, the propeller should slide straight off the shaft.
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Clean the propeller shaft
To clean the propeller shaft, you'll need to remove the propeller itself. First, tilt the engine to a convenient height so you don't have to strain your back while working. If your propeller assembly has a cotter pin, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull it out and discard it. Next, use a block of wood to brace the prop against the cavitation plate. This will prevent the propeller from spinning as you remove the prop nut. Now, use a prop wrench or socket set to remove the prop nut, screwing counter-clockwise. Remove the nut and the washer that holds the propeller in place.
Once the nut and washer are removed, the propeller should slide straight off the shaft. If it appears stuck, give it a light tap with the wood block to try to loosen it, but don't hit it too hard or you risk breaking something. Now, your prop assembly may have some additional parts on the shaft, such as an aft adapter, a thrust washer, or a Delrin sleeve. Take these off and place them in the proper order for reassembly.
With all the parts removed, it's time to clean the shaft. Wipe the shaft with a clean rag to remove any grime. Use a flashlight to see down into the assembly and check for any fishing line wrapped around the shaft. Use a knife to cut any fishing line loose and get it all out. Fishing line can damage seals and bearings in your prop assembly if left too long.
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Reassemble the parts and new propeller
Reassembling the propeller is a simple case of reversing the removal process. When you are ready to reassemble, first, apply some grease to the propeller shaft. This grease should be of the waterproof variety and not contain any graphite, as this can cause corrosion. Your engine manufacturer will recommend a suitable brand.
Next, if your propeller assembly has a cotter pin, install a new one, bending the tails to lock the nut in place. Then, slide on the thrust washer, followed by the new propeller, prop washer, and nut. Tighten the nut, ensuring the hole in the shaft aligns with the slot in the castellated nut. You can use a prop wrench to tighten to the correct torque, as specified by the manufacturer. Do not overtighten the nut.
Finally, if your assembly uses a cotter pin, pass it through the shaft and bend up the tails to lock the nut in position.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a fairly straightforward job and should take no longer than 30 minutes if you have the right tools.
You will need a prop wrench or socket set, a small block of wood, a new cotter pin, and a pair of needle-nose pliers.
First, tilt the engine to a convenient height. If your propeller assembly has a cotter pin, use the needle-nose pliers to pull it out. Use the block of wood to brace the prop against the cavitation plate and prevent it from spinning. Then, use the prop wrench or socket set to remove the prop nut and washer. Finally, slide the propeller off the shaft.
Reassemble all the parts in reverse order. When reattaching the prop nut, use a prop wrench to tighten it to the correct torque, as specified by the manufacturer. Do not overtighten the nut.
It is important to clean the propeller shaft and apply a thin layer of waterproof grease before installing the new propeller. Additionally, always wear disposable gloves when handling the propeller to keep grease and dirt off your hands.
