Shafts and Props

[bone354]

This is my first year with a inboard boat. I want to clean the shafts and props what should i use. There is very little build up on them i just want to shine them up before I put the boat in water Thanks Rich

 

[my3sons]

Hi Rich,
'09 was our first year with an inboard boat and we love it. Quiet and smooth.
When we bought it, the surveyor asked the yard manager if he would clean the bottom after he did his land portion of the survey and before launch for sea trial. They did so, and also lightly sanded the props to remove a little build up (barnacles and some other stuff) that was on them. They didn't do anything to the shafts as they were clean, but I would imagine you could use steel wool.

 

[dc380]

600, 800 grit wet sand paper can also be used to shine the shafts up.

I use 80 grit on the props.

 

[tobnpr]

I paint mine now, but when I didn't I'd use 200 grit wet-dry sandpaper on them when cleaning the bottom.

 

[stuckinforward]

after a couple of days in the water you may want to tackle or pay someone to tackle your face to face runouts on the prop and trans shafts (alignment)....one of the most overlooked maintanance items on an inboard

 

[Keith the Cop]

I jsut had my props reconditioned. I was wondering, is it preference to paint or polish shafts? Im in salt water.

 

[magster65]

I've had boats that needed that maintenance. I found that cleaning with a pressure washer / scaper / muriatic acid (brick cleaner) left the stainless like new. The paint will stop stuff from growing on the shafts but it won't help electrolosis obviously. It's your choice on the shafts but the paint will just come off the props and probably reduce their "bite".

 

[sbw1]

Fresh water boats that are wet slipped do not need to have shafts and props cleaned in the spring time if you power wash the bottom of the boat when it is hauled in the fall.