Can you drive a boat with a damaged prop? You can, but you could make things worse. This article explains why and how you can prevent the need for repairs in the first place.
Your propeller is one of the most important pieces of equipment on your boat. With power supplied by the engine, the propeller creates the propulsion needed to push your craft through the water. If your propeller is damaged, energy transfer won’t be as efficient as it should be, and you could end up causing serious problems for your motor.
Wondering whether you should risk running your boat with a bent propeller? Here’s what can happen if you do.
What can happen when you drive with a damaged propeller?
To explain how running a boat with a damaged prop can affect your engine, let’s take a look at one of the most common types of propeller damage—bent blades.
Suffering a bent propeller blade can happen over time with normal wear and tear, but underwater impacts can also cause them.
This problem can affect your boat’s performance and increase the likelihood of a damaged motor. Depending on the degree to which your propeller is damaged, motor repairs could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and affect your boat’s performance in the future. When you run your boat with a bent blade on the propeller, you could cause significant harm to the gearing within the lower unit.
Other common issues that come with a damaged propeller include:
- Vibrations in the drive line.
- Loss of power and performance.
- Increased fuel consumption.
It is also critical to note that if you have a damaged propeller and decide to take your boat out, you could be putting yourself at risk of being stranded if anything breaks down. If you are at all concerned about the safety of running your boat with a bent propeller, it’s best to replace the prop outright.
The Cost of Replacing Your Propeller
Replacing your propeller is relatively inexpensive, though the cost is not insignificant. Depending on the propeller you choose and whether you pay someone to do the repairs, it could cost several hundred dollars. Still, replacing your propeller now could save you even more money on repairs in the future.
Install a Boat Motor Propeller Guard to Prevent Future Problems
If you want to prevent damage to your prop in the first place, one of the best solutions that can protect it from underwater impacts is a propeller guard. Installing a boat motor propeller guard is simple and could save you a lot of money in repairs over the years.
Learn More about the Benefits of adding a Hydro-Shield to Your Boat
Don’t leave your propeller vulnerable. Get the protection you need to keep your boat running smoothly by adding a Hydro-Shield today. Learn more about the many benefits our product has to offer.
Ready to buy? Find it online or at a dealer near you.