Inboard propeller repair/recondition recommendation & questions

[Pietro]

:smt115
...I’m now seriously considering of opening a Prop Scan shop in my Country!

 

[Vince_nj1]

:smt115
...I’m now seriously considering of opening a Prop Scan shop in my Country!

When I was searching for a Prop Repair shop, I found this:

Start Your Own Propeller Repair Shop
http://www.props.com.au/

Not a bad way to make a living. Very slow during boating season and then work all winter.

 

[320Bob]

Bob,

I will assume that part of the issue is that you didn't have a chance to use the boat frequently. So, if the boat was sitting for a while I'm not surprized with the amount of growth on the bottom.

There're couple of things you can do to have better control of the bottom even when you don't use the boat frequently:

1. Have a diver to clean the bottom. Usually it's not an expensive job. If I recall correctly it can be around $70-$100. Some have it even for less. I dive, so renting a tank and doing my own inspection/cleaning was easy. But, I know how I use the boat and this procedure isn't necessary for me.

2. Some marinas have mid season bottom cleaning specials with good discounts for short haul out and pressure washing the bottom.

3. Periodically, while hanging on the hook I take a rag, jump in (sometimes with a PFD) and go over the boat cleaning everything I can reach with my hand. This also prevents the yellow stains build up at the water line. If I would see a build up I would use the regular boat brush and brush the bottom as far as I can reach (that's another way saving $70 for a diver).

If I would see .5 at my cruising speed I would frick out. But, that's just me.

My boat went out almost every weekend for several hours but you have to remember the river is very different than the ocean. Also, my bottom paint was on its 5th year and will be redone this winter which is probably another reason I had so much growth. I would not swim in the river so #3 is out. My marina doesn't offer any special mid season haul outs and divers are not available in the area. But much of this is academic since I am moving to Lake Michigan next season where the water is colder so they do not get anywhere near the biological growth that I have now.

There is also a cost benefit between the cost of cleaning the bottom and increased fuel usage. I would have to run the boat 35-40 hours on plane before the fuel savings would offset the haul out costs. I spend most of my boating at cocktail speed so it would take me much longer to recoup the cost. If I spent many hours on plane taking longer trips as you likely do, then it would save me money. I do know a diver that routinely works on Lake Michigan if my boating profile changes. I also would be willing to jump into Lake Michigan water late summer if it were warm enough that I wouldn't go into hypothermic shock!!:grin: