Changing Your Propeller

Boating enthusiasts know that for all the wonderful times and adventures they have on their water craft, there is also a maintenance aspect that must be considered.  One periodic task that must be taken care of is changing out an old propeller for a new one.  This is not a frequent job; it needs to be done only when the existing propeller shows serious signs of wear or when it has been subject to an accident or some kind of malfunction.  Of course, some boaters also change their propellers simply to get better performance from their water craft.

Boat Propeller Pullers: A Handy Tool

The most useful tools a boater could have in this situation include boat propeller pullers.  With such a tool, the task of removing the old propeller becomes much simpler.

How to Use a Boat Prop Puller

Using boat prop pullers is not difficult, but for the job to go well, it requires a little advance planning.  First, take a pencil and use it to mark where the old propeller lies in the propulsion system.  You will use this mark later to make sure that the new propeller is seated in exactly the same location.

After that it is time to get the old propeller ready to remove. The first step is to turn the propeller slowly while you hold on to a ratchet around the retaining nut.  Do not loosen the nut 100 per cent of the way.  When the propeller is loose, it is time to use the prop puller, which is used to remove the existing propeller from the shaft it normally sits on.