When you bought your very first boat, you might have only had an inkling of an idea of what a propeller is. Perhaps you didn't even know that you had to invest so much on a propeller! This is a fact most boat manufacturers fail to tell boat owners-and it's precisely the reason why companies like Eris Propellers exist: to tell you that there's a way for you to have the appropriate and most fitting propeller for your boat. More than that, you should know certain pointers about your boat propeller that your boat manual probably didn't expressly tell you. These pointers will come in handy the moment you realize that there's something not quite right with your boat propeller.
Keep a spare propeller in tow. You do know that you're not supposed to go through a long drive without a spare tire, right? By doing otherwise, you are practically setting yourself up for a disastrous ride. Bringing a spare propeller is even more important than having a spare tire in your car. Unless you can paddle your way to the shore in the middle of the ocean, you should never sail without an extra propeller. In the event that your boat's propeller needs replacement, you should do all that you can to establish emergency contact. Get some help and don't replace the propeller by yourself, especially if it's broken. The chances that you'll get help for replacing your propeller are more likely, but in the unlikely event that you are unable to, you should know the basics of replacing one.
Do not replace a damaged propeller on your own. There are certain ways for you to determine if there is something wrong with your propeller. You can usually tell if your boat is underperforming or there's something about the way it works. In any case, follow your gut feeling as it is usually right. You can feel if something is off with your boat, especially if you've been sailing with it for quite some time. Once you know for sure that something is wrong with your propeller, establish emergency contact with professionals who are professionally trained in replacing propellers. Attempting to replace the propeller by yourself can lead to dangerous consequences.
Do not settle for an improperly sized propeller. As a precautionary measure, don't even think of buying a propeller that doesn't fit your boat's needs. The propeller and your boat must have a perfect fit. Quick sellers will try to shortchange you and sell a run-of-the-mill propeller that doesn't even fit your boat's needs. Before you do, keep in mind that you shouldn't rush!
Your boat deserves one that has the proper propeller sizing, as it will affect your boat's maximum sailing speed and smoothness-be it a sailing-gulet, a commercial-pleasure vessel, a fishing boat, or a cruise ship. Take note of the propeller balance. If your boat propeller has the proper balance, it will run smoothly and produce no vibrations. In contrast, if the propeller is off-balance, you will notice your boat producing bothering vibrations. Worse, it will veer slightly toward a particularly side whenever you sail. It can even result in an engine failure. To address this irregularity, you usually have to contact the manufacturer. This is where the importance of hiring a propeller company that's easy to contact and is more than willing to help comes in. Don't even think of balancing the propeller yourself as a qualified technician can only do the task.
The propeller hub must not slip off. If the hub of the propeller slips off, the rotation of the blades will be affected. At the same time, your boat's optimum speed will be compromised. This usually happens with either weakly made or old propellers. Replacing the hub, or the propeller altogether, is usually the best option.
To avoid this problem, you might as well get your propeller from someone whose detailed and careful manufacturing process will ensure the strength of your propeller hub. Buy from a reliable source. Last, and certainly not the least, you should always buy from a company that specializes in manufacturing and selling propellers. The worst mistake that you can commit is by buying a luxury boat and scrimping on the propeller. After all, your propeller will hardly do anything to add style to your boat, right?
Propellers, as a matter of fact, do more for your boat than add style and sophistication. By assuring that your boat runs at perfect speed, the propellers make sure that your boat will not fail you in the middle of the ocean, perhaps while you're out impressing your date or maybe even while you're in a boat race! With these simple tips on propeller care, you're finally set and ready to buy a propeller that fits your boat. Don't sail without making sure that your propeller is of the exact size and balance as it's supposed to be. With that accounted for, there's nothing else to worry about-except where to take your next boat ride.
2/13/11
Sailing and Boating - Propeller Care Tips 101
