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With nearly 100 million Americans going boating every year, it’s safe to say that getting out on the water is a popular hobby. However, it’s going to be challenging to enjoy a day on your boat if your propeller isn’t working properly.
This is why it’s important to know the signs that your boat prop needs your attention. By identifying and tackling the problem as early as possible, you can save yourself a considerable amount of money and hassle.
To ensure you know what to look for, we’ve compiled this list of 4 tell-tale signs your boat propeller is having trouble, so keep reading.
Reduced Power
There can be subtle signs that some boat parts, such as a propeller, are underperforming and these include a decrease in power. You might notice that your boat isn’t accelerating as quickly as it used to, or that it’s now taking longer than usual to get to a destination. In the worst-case scenario, your boat may not move at all.
If you feel your boat is starting to slow down, check if the propeller is the problem.
Lower Fuel Efficiency
A damaged boat propeller will be inefficient, and this will mean you’re using more fuel. Not only is going through more boat fuel expensive, but it’s also bad for the environment. In this scenario, you won’t want to allow the issue to worsen, and you can shop for inboard propellers for sale to ensure your boat’s performance returns to its best.
Steering Issues
You may need a new boat prop if the steering isn’t as responsive or as accurate as you’d expect. This may first become obvious if you’re having to work harder to get your craft to go in the direction you want, or if you’re becoming concerned that your boat seems to take longer to make turns.
Rather than wait until you have an accident that endangers others and requires extensive boat repairs, you should check your prop at the earliest opportunity.
Visible Damage
Sometimes there will be obvious signs of damage such as cracks, chips, or dents on the propeller. You might also notice the blades are bent, meaning they will not be able to cut through the water as effectively.
As with any boat repair task, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take rapid action to keep costs low and your craft in a safe condition.
Inspect Your Boat Prop Regularly
If you notice your boat prop isn’t performing at a high level, you should take action sooner rather than later. Common indications that there might be an issue are if your steering is affected, your boat has lost power, or you are using more fuel than usual. There’s also cause for concern if you see signs of wear and tear on the propeller.
Before you leave to inspect your boat propeller, be sure to check out more great articles in our Lifestyle section.
