My boat propeller has some dents in the edges after a few years of use. Do I need to replace it?

Question

How do dents in a boat's propeller affect performance? Would this affect acceleration, steering, gas mileage, what? And how much of a factor is it?

Answer 1

A few small dings will not affect much, Larger dings can affect the balance of the prop causing vibration. They can also increase cavitation. Basically, if you could smooth them out in few minutes with a hand file, then they are not a problem. Perhaps it's time to buy a new prop, and keep the old one for a spare.

Answer 2

don't use a file on a prop -- the residue it leaves behind causes trouble for somebody trying to weld it later.

if you have a dremel with a sanding tool, that works great.

any deformity affects performance.

a good prop shop can pretty much repair any prop.

Answer 3

It affects all of the factors you mentioned. It depends on how bad the dings are. If its bad enough it can also cause vibrations that could damage the prop shaft seals. You can have that prop repaired, its done all the time. It is not a bad idea to get a second prop as a backup for use when the other prop is damaged and in for repairs. You can also use it all season and get it repaired in the off season.

Answer 4

Most marine dealerships and marinas have a prop repair shop that they use.  Some simply exchange your prop for a rebuilt one.  Others, repair your prop if possible, and return it to you.  This is most often for less that a third of a new prop.  It's important to keep your prop in good condition.  Even small dents can rob you of performance, so don't delay, do it now.

Answer 5

MInor dents on a low horsepower outboard probably won't affect its performance, but on more powerful engines a dented prop might cause excessive vibration.

Depends on the size of the dents too I guess. Might be possible to hammer them flat?