An occasional "incident" with your prop is simply part of owning a boat, especially in Texas. Falcon Lake Marine & Auto offers complete prop repair provided no welding is required for a proper repair.

The propeller is often overlooked when maintaining a boat, yet a prop with even slight damage can result in big headaches and precious time on the water lost. Vibration is one of the greatest enemies of any moving-parts system, and a bent or imbalanced prop can transmit many years of wear to an outboard's lower unit in just a few uses. With outboards now costing $10,000 and more, a true and balanced prop is some of the cheapest insurance to keep your beloved investment in top condition.

Once a propeller has been damaged and repaired, balancing is recommended. An arbor is inserted in the propeller and the assembly is placed on the balancer, where material is gradually removed from the heavier blades to give the propeller an overall balance. This inexpensive procedure will reduce vibration and help protect you from costly lower unit and seal damage. Costs for balancing are $25 and up, depending on the amount of labor required.

NOTE: Stainless steel is easier to work than aluminum, but a waiver of liability is required before repairing propellers made of either material because occasionally propeller blades crack during straightening, especially if they have been straightened before.

Propellers are typically assembled with a splined hub in the center which slides over the lower unit shaft onto which the propeller is secured. A main purpose of the hub is to protect the gearcase by absorbing impact experienced by the prop. When the propeller is subjected to the elements over time or hits underwater obstructions, it may begin to slip on this hub. This is often called a "spun hub" and replacement of the hub is required.

Always carry a spare propeller!
The process of installing a replacement hub may involve several weeks or longer. And there's the whole "getting stranded on the water issue" too, so a prop wrench and a cotter pin are a great idea as well.