How often should you remove the propellor and have it professionally looked at and balanced? Going into my 5th season now (2000 340), aside from any obvious damage or knowing you hit something, if the prop is not causing any problems (vibration etc.)should it be removed at all?
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No
Calibration should hold up over time. Mine has been fixed for five years, works great. If it ain't broke...
Calibration should hold up over time. Mine has been fixed for five years, works great. If it ain't broke...
I've been told...
...that some props need to be balance right out of the box. But props can also go out of balance just thru normal use. So they tell me every year. But I, personally, would think not. It you feel vibration or that something is not right, then use your judgement about your boat. Three years ago, I had by engine professionally tuned. During sea trial the mechanic said that he thought that my prop's pitch should be reduced an inch because it was smoking, a bit, at the top end. Having never changed the standard prop that came with the boat, I thought that I'd have the prop checked first. It turns out that one blade was 1/2" out of pitch from the other side (2 blade, standard prop). I don't know how bad the other side was, either. I had picked up a pot a couple of years earlier, but never realized what I did. I had the prop serviced and it made a world of difference in performance. Moral of the story? Have it done once in a while for ease of mind. If somethings doesn't seem right, then go for it. The cost was $100 to have the yard remove/replace the prop. Then another $100 to have the prop serviced. Total $200.
...that some props need to be balance right out of the box. But props can also go out of balance just thru normal use. So they tell me every year. But I, personally, would think not. It you feel vibration or that something is not right, then use your judgement about your boat. Three years ago, I had by engine professionally tuned. During sea trial the mechanic said that he thought that my prop's pitch should be reduced an inch because it was smoking, a bit, at the top end. Having never changed the standard prop that came with the boat, I thought that I'd have the prop checked first. It turns out that one blade was 1/2" out of pitch from the other side (2 blade, standard prop). I don't know how bad the other side was, either. I had picked up a pot a couple of years earlier, but never realized what I did. I had the prop serviced and it made a world of difference in performance. Moral of the story? Have it done once in a while for ease of mind. If somethings doesn't seem right, then go for it. The cost was $100 to have the yard remove/replace the prop. Then another $100 to have the prop serviced. Total $200.
Balancing
Finally a topic where I can speak with some authority. Balancing was my business. Normally a prop will hold its balance unless it is damaged, the pitch is changed or the prop shaft is bent. You may wish to check the balance once and then leave it alone unless you acquire a vibration problem. Have the prop "DYNAMICALLY BALANCED" in a machine. Never rely on "Static" balancing where knife edges or wheels are used and the heavy side of the prop drops to the bottom. It is just not good enough for a prop running 3000 plus rpm.
Finally a topic where I can speak with some authority. Balancing was my business. Normally a prop will hold its balance unless it is damaged, the pitch is changed or the prop shaft is bent. You may wish to check the balance once and then leave it alone unless you acquire a vibration problem. Have the prop "DYNAMICALLY BALANCED" in a machine. Never rely on "Static" balancing where knife edges or wheels are used and the heavy side of the prop drops to the bottom. It is just not good enough for a prop running 3000 plus rpm.
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