Boat Props: General Information To Know Before You Buy

Owning a boat is one of life’s simple pleasures. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, riding on lakes and rivers, or just taking in the sites of the clam outdoors boat ownership offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and sport. However, boats need occasional upkeep much like an automobile would. One key area that sees common repairs is the boat prop or propeller. Without it you’re dead in the water and not going anywhere. Buying a replacement though is more than just grabbing the first prop you find. When looking for boat props information keeps the following topics in mind so you know exactly what you’re looking for.

Boat Props Information: The Size

Boat props sizes are measured in two ways diameter and pitch. The diameter is the distance from the center of the bladed to the tip of one of the blades doubled. As you’d expect large diameter props are for larger boats and smaller ones are for smaller boats. Pitch measures movement. It is a calculation of forward motion per one complete blade rotation and it is measured in inches. When measuring pitch the key is to buy a prop that matches your engine's power. It doesn't’ matter if a prop ahs high pitch if your engine isn’t strong enough to keep it turning. So always match the diameter and pitch to your boat’s engine size. This allows for maximum efficiency and saves on engine wear.

Boat Props Information: The Blade Count

The blade count refers to naturally, the number of blades on a prop. The important thing to note is that if you change the number of blades on a prop then pitch and diameter may require small adjustments to keep the prop running in the correct RPM range. Do note that for daily usage purposes three and four blade props are mostly interchangeable for daily usage.

Boat Props Information: Materials Used In Construction

The materials used to construct a prop change its weight, flexibility, and repair options. The common materials used for boat props include aluminum, stainless steel, and composite materials. Composite props are inexpensive, lightweight, and offer good performance of their cost. However, they break easier and are impossible to repair. Aluminium props are the most common and offer a lightweight choice. While costing a bit more than composite ones they are easily repaired if damaged. Stainless steel props are the heaviest and most expensive of proper choices. While also repairable they are often difficult to repair if damaged. In exchange for the cost however, one does get the highest level of performance.

Boat Props Information: Wide Open Throttle Range

When selecting a prop you to be sure that the prop you select allows your engine to perform at peak efficiency. For most motors this range is 5,000 and 5,500 RPMs on outboard motors and 4,400 to 4,800 if you own a sterndrive engine. This number can however, vary depending on design and manufacturer specifications. Always check your owner's manual before buying.