Yeah! the Art of Changing out Boat Propellers….If you own a boat chances are sooner or later you are going to have to replace or get repaired the boat prop you are using. Boat propellers are pretty easy to take off and put on yourself. The prop makers have designed the props so it is simple and there should be no need to hire some to do it for you.
Inboard Propellers can get stuck on the propeller shaft sometimes because in use the prop jams itself on to the shaft from the forward motion it makes. In that case you might need to rent or buy an inboard prop puller to get it off. Some inboard shafts are splined and the boat prop is also splined in the hub to match but most shafts are not splined but are smooth instead with a slot machined in them that matches a slot in the propeller which is then secured on to the shaft with a little square metal piece in the slots called the key way and a nut and maybe a cotter pin is then used to keep the prop on the shaft. Easy to change.
Outboard Propellers and sterndrive propellers have just a few more attaching parts but are still simple to change. There is large spacer called the thrust washer that goes on the prop shaft before the propeller that must be on there. It stops the boat prop from riding into the gearcase from the forward motion of the propeller and also positions the front of the propeller just inside the gearcase so exhaust gases that come out through the case and inside center of the prop do not go out over the propeller blades that would then make the prop lose performance.
There are two types of hub systems used in the hub of the prop that go on the prop shaft. The first one has been used for many years and it has the splined metal spindle embedded in rubber already installed in the boat propeller that then slides on to the prop shaft. The second style is the hub kit system that comes in a little separate box with the propeller that has all the parts needed, you put in a hard plastic piece in the center of the prop yourself then the spindle goes in the prop from the back into the plastic piece that locks the prop in place on the shaft. Then after that you use various spacers and nuts and nut retainers depending on what brand of engine you have to secure the whole system on the shaft. These kits have about four to six parts in them with instructions how to install. It really is simple and no special tools are needed.
We have the lowest prices on hundreds of boat propellers and you can order on-line props or by phone at 1-800-573-5533.
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