Sailing 101: Protect your Propeller

Ahoy sailors, this lesson will expand on boat maintenance as it becomes extra important during the off-season. Stay tuned for your next lesson when we discuss how to read a nautical chart.    Like most boat or outboard mechanical parts, a propeller won’t last forever, but with the help of a bit of prop maintenance and care, you can extend its lifespan.   Caring for a boat’s propeller largely comes down to being cautious when operating your boat, and of course, a bit of TLC can save you money from having to replace parts frequently. So here is some advice to lengthen the life of your boat or outboard engine’s propeller.    Avoid Contact with Bottom Surfaces   One of the most common ways propellers get damaged is from scraping the bottom or running aground. But it’s a simple fix; buy a depth finder. A depth finder is an important boat accessory for avoiding contact with bottom surfaces. Depth finders tell you precisely how shallow the water is below you and can alert you to underwater obstacles such as sandbars or rocks. In addition, a depth finder pays for itself when considering how much money it could save you in prop repairs and replacements.   Clean and Lube the Propeller   If...