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Author Topic:   Do I need to carry a spare prop?

JMARTIN posted 05-06-2009 10:58 AM ET (US)
I am reducing the amount of gear/weight on the boat. Do I need to carry a spare prop? If I hit something hard enough to damage my new stainless prop, won't I damage more that just the prop? I have a kicker to get me in, but what good is a spare prop going to do me if I toast the gears or something?
John
Ritzyrags posted 05-06-2009 11:20 AM ET (US)
John;
You already know the solution to this question.
A spare engine should be a prudent enough back up;
Unless that you are taking an extended trip spanning large distances;
Your kicker should be insurance enough for short weekend outings.
Always do your "pretrips" nevertheless..
bloller posted 05-06-2009 11:23 AM ET (US)
I have never carried a spare prop. I don't think you could ever be able to damage a SS prop to the point where it can't get you home and like you said if your gear box is fried, a spare prop is useless. The best way to reduce weight is only carry the amount of fuel you will need for that day.
Tohsgib posted 05-06-2009 11:53 AM ET (US)
I carried a 4 blade comprop, weighs maybe a pound. IF anyone needs one I have the perfect spare for a 3 or 4cyl OMC.
Perry posted 05-06-2009 12:16 PM ET (US)
I carry the same prop as Nick for a spare because if I hit something, I'm less worried about damaging my stainless prop but more worried about damaging the hub kit which makes it spin and give me thrust.
20dauntless posted 05-06-2009 01:45 PM ET (US)
If you're just in the San Juans/Gulf Islands and have kicker I'd say no. If you are out on the west side of the Vancouver Island or north of the Broughtons I'd say yes. Even if you destroyed you're main prop in the San Juans you'd easily be able to get to a place that has either a safe anchorage if the weather/currents are unfavorable or a shop where you can purchase a prop. Or, in most cases, you could probably make it all the way back to Twin Bridges.
JMARTIN posted 05-06-2009 02:39 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the feedback. A spun hub would be a trip wrecker but not a safety issue. I will take it off, maybe I should sell it or include it in a trade if I decide to take the time and trouble to experiment with other props. I do not have any good figures on my new prop other than it is better than my old one.
John
hauptjm posted 05-06-2009 02:39 PM ET (US)
If you "spin" the hub, (blow out the rubber bushing) you'd be happy to have a spare. Now, how to change it in open water, is whole nuther ting!
If you have never heard of this happening...I can tell you, I have had it happen twice over the years in two different, well maintained vessels. Once, we were in the LA marsh, about 10 miles from home and we slowly backed into the marsh grass, used an Igloo top as a platform to stand on, and changed the prop in about 10 minutes and were on our way. The other event occurred about 5 miles offshore, and we limped on home at about 5, very slow, knots.
R T M posted 05-06-2009 03:29 PM ET (US)
Ir would be very hard to change a prop in open water over 4 feet deep. You would need to limp to a beach. But if you have one why not take it along. I have lots of spare parts for things around the house. It is a good safeguard. That way nothing ever breaks, or at least for the things I have spare parts for.
20dauntless posted 05-06-2009 03:50 PM ET (US)
I agree, it would be tough to change a prop at sea. I do, however, either carry an 8 foot inflatable or a couple of kayaks normally (on the C-Dory). In reasonable sea conditions I think I could change a prop from one of them. However, if it were really nasty out, all bets are off.
JMARTIN posted 05-06-2009 04:04 PM ET (US)
Then I will need a prop wrench, the expertise to swap, and a spot to do it. The plan previously was to use my trusty kicker to get to a pro and have them do it. Beaches around here are not conducive for prop changing.
I guess I should just keep it on the boat, just in case.
Fuel is a big weight issue, but fueling places around here are few and far between. The fuel dock at Blakely is still closed, Orcas ferry landing is closed. Once you leave Anacortes you got Deer Harbor, Friday Harbor and Roach Harbor. All of them are pretty close to one another.
John
Buckda posted 05-06-2009 04:22 PM ET (US)
John -
Keep it on you - if you come across a good Samaritan, they are much more likely to be willing to tow you to the nearest cove or dock than to the nearest harbor or port. Just a thought.
I would always carry a spare due to the concerns mentioned above about a spun hub.
If the situation is dire, you can always jump in and change the prop - it doesn't take more than 5 minutes if you are prepared, and it can be done in a rolling sea.
Now...that of course assumes water temps above 60 or so. Colder water means don't go! In a calm sea, you can also change the prop from another vessel. Have them come alongside and then slowly drift back to change the prop. Have plenty of hands manning the boat hooks though, to fend off the hull from impaling itself on the prop or the propshaft while you're working.
Bottom line, it makes sense to carry a spare - better to have and not want than to want and not have. If you don't have a spare, you can't change the prop no matter what the situation.
Dave
towboater posted 05-06-2009 05:07 PM ET (US)
Run without it, but might pack it in the tow rig in the chance the kicker or Good Sam will get you back to the ramp and only loose that amount of time instead of killing the whole day.
knock knock. At least you will be half right.
Looks like the weather is going to be pretty good Saturday.
Just a reminder, this weekend is the last for Wa clams on the coast til next fall.

mk
gnr posted 05-06-2009 05:21 PM ET (US)
I've needed my spare one time in 20ish years of boat owning.
I'm glad I had it and I still carry one.
skiff posted 05-06-2009 08:16 PM ET (US)
'Hope for the best, plan for the worst.'
I carry a Piranha composite prop as a spare (my regular prop is one of those, my original stainless steel prop is in the garage at home). I've never had to use it, but that doesn't mean that I won't. I went the composite route to cover my bases on a few trips to the W. Coast of Vancouver Island, and I've not noticed any real performance drop? I think they've got the bugs worked out by now. I use the composite just so I don't transfar all that force up into my lower end if I ever hit something. For what I do, poking around in close and with plenty of rocks about, it just seems prudent to me. My boat is only 15', and I don't have a spare motor on it, so my prop and it's backup are my only ticket home.
lakeman posted 05-06-2009 08:18 PM ET (US)
I too, have carried a spare prop of some sorts, I have owned a SS prop since they were introduced, I have never needed a spare prop. Having said that, I have never hit anything that damaged, knock on fiberglass, has damaged a SS prop enough that I could not get home on it. I will say I'm fairly lucky.
Tohsgib posted 05-07-2009 11:40 AM ET (US)
I was out cruising in my Baja at about 30mph and 2700rpm when she just went into neutral. I pulled back and it would go but only to about 5knts...spun it while cruising. You would think I had to hit something or it would have given up the ghost when getting on plane...nope. Limped back 2 miles to a ramp and swapped props and on my merry way again.
20dauntless posted 05-07-2009 12:45 PM ET (US)
One last comment... In the last 500 or so hours of operation, primarily in the San Juans, I have never bent or damaged a prop. And I've hit big logs hard! Think 45 mph, 6 foot long by 10 inch diameter logs. I've clogged the pitot tube for my speedometer too many times to count. But the prop has always been fine. I don't carry a spare in the Whaler, which has a stainless prop, but I do carry one in the C-Dory with an aluminum prop.
Chuck Tribolet posted 05-07-2009 02:49 PM ET (US)
Besides a prop wrench on a lanyard, you'll need a spare
SS cotter pin and tools to get the cotter pin out. And
a spare nut wouldn't hurt.

Chuck
Brian7son posted 05-07-2009 03:03 PM ET (US)
I carry a spare prop and hub kit for both outboard engines as well as a prop wrench. I also spun a hub about 7 miles offshore in the keys. I didnt hit anything either. Fortunately, the motor would still work up to about 2K RPMS, so I was able to run back on both motors at 2K rpms which wasnt too bad.
When I got back to the Marina on a Sunday, it was great to have all the stuff with me that I needed to fix it.
Dave Sutton posted 05-07-2009 03:05 PM ET (US)
Chuck's dead right, although not all engines use cotter pins (some use self locking nuts and bendable tabs). I carry a disassembled Pro-Pulse composite prop that when broken down takes VERY little space, *five* spare nuts (I had them, so why not?), a handful of the sheet metal tabs (substitute cotter pins if needed), a prop wrench on a lanyard, and a mask and snorkle (trust me, it makes it a lot easier if you need to swim). All of that stuff fits into the console and you never know it's there. Needed to change a prop once and we saved the day of diving, without it we would have lost the day. That one day alone was worth carrying the prop for all these years. More commonly, the prop has been used to help *other* boaters. It's surprising how many engine makers and HP engines one prop will fit in a pinch. Merc and Yamaha fit each other for sure, in a pretty wide HP range.
Dave
.
David Pendleton posted 05-07-2009 07:51 PM ET (US)
I've never known anyone that found bottom hard enough to render a (stainless-steel) prop worthy of changing that didn't destroy their gear box as a result.
Tohsgib posted 05-07-2009 09:22 PM ET (US)
I never knew a lower unit that was destroyed by a prop that was seither SS or alum. That myth is BS.
David Pendleton posted 05-08-2009 12:26 PM ET (US)
Perhaps, but I was driving the boat when it happened...
Tom W Clark posted 05-08-2009 01:52 PM ET (US)
Folks have damaged their gearboxs with aluminum propellers as well. It does happen, but the old wives tale about stainless causing damage when aluminum will not is, as Nick gently puts it, BS.
I have bent a stainless steel prop exactly once in my life. I was driving. The blades were bent almost 90 degrees. No damage to the motor whatsoever. The motor is working fine today, three years later.
The bent prop was repaired to like-new condition for about $100 and is providing good service today as well.
To answer John's question -- I do not recommend he carry a spare prop for the waters he navigates. I do not carry spare props on my Revenge, though I do carry spare hub kits at some times.

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Author	Topic: Do I need to carry a spare prop?
JMARTIN	posted 05-06-2009 10:58 AM ET (US) I am reducing the amount of gear/weight on the boat. Do I need to carry a spare prop? If I hit something hard enough to damage my new stainless prop, won't I damage more that just the prop? I have a kicker to get me in, but what good is a spare prop going to do me if I toast the gears or something? John
Ritzyrags	posted 05-06-2009 11:20 AM ET (US) John; You already know the solution to this question. A spare engine should be a prudent enough back up; Unless that you are taking an extended trip spanning large distances; Your kicker should be insurance enough for short weekend outings. Always do your "pretrips" nevertheless..
bloller	posted 05-06-2009 11:23 AM ET (US) I have never carried a spare prop. I don't think you could ever be able to damage a SS prop to the point where it can't get you home and like you said if your gear box is fried, a spare prop is useless. The best way to reduce weight is only carry the amount of fuel you will need for that day.
Tohsgib	posted 05-06-2009 11:53 AM ET (US) I carried a 4 blade comprop, weighs maybe a pound. IF anyone needs one I have the perfect spare for a 3 or 4cyl OMC.
Perry	posted 05-06-2009 12:16 PM ET (US) I carry the same prop as Nick for a spare because if I hit something, I'm less worried about damaging my stainless prop but more worried about damaging the hub kit which makes it spin and give me thrust.
20dauntless	posted 05-06-2009 01:45 PM ET (US) If you're just in the San Juans/Gulf Islands and have kicker I'd say no. If you are out on the west side of the Vancouver Island or north of the Broughtons I'd say yes. Even if you destroyed you're main prop in the San Juans you'd easily be able to get to a place that has either a safe anchorage if the weather/currents are unfavorable or a shop where you can purchase a prop. Or, in most cases, you could probably make it all the way back to Twin Bridges.
JMARTIN	posted 05-06-2009 02:39 PM ET (US) Thanks for the feedback. A spun hub would be a trip wrecker but not a safety issue. I will take it off, maybe I should sell it or include it in a trade if I decide to take the time and trouble to experiment with other props. I do not have any good figures on my new prop other than it is better than my old one. John
hauptjm	posted 05-06-2009 02:39 PM ET (US) If you "spin" the hub, (blow out the rubber bushing) you'd be happy to have a spare. Now, how to change it in open water, is whole nuther ting! If you have never heard of this happening...I can tell you, I have had it happen twice over the years in two different, well maintained vessels. Once, we were in the LA marsh, about 10 miles from home and we slowly backed into the marsh grass, used an Igloo top as a platform to stand on, and changed the prop in about 10 minutes and were on our way. The other event occurred about 5 miles offshore, and we limped on home at about 5, very slow, knots.
R T M	posted 05-06-2009 03:29 PM ET (US) Ir would be very hard to change a prop in open water over 4 feet deep. You would need to limp to a beach. But if you have one why not take it along. I have lots of spare parts for things around the house. It is a good safeguard. That way nothing ever breaks, or at least for the things I have spare parts for.
20dauntless	posted 05-06-2009 03:50 PM ET (US) I agree, it would be tough to change a prop at sea. I do, however, either carry an 8 foot inflatable or a couple of kayaks normally (on the C-Dory). In reasonable sea conditions I think I could change a prop from one of them. However, if it were really nasty out, all bets are off.
JMARTIN	posted 05-06-2009 04:04 PM ET (US) Then I will need a prop wrench, the expertise to swap, and a spot to do it. The plan previously was to use my trusty kicker to get to a pro and have them do it. Beaches around here are not conducive for prop changing. I guess I should just keep it on the boat, just in case. Fuel is a big weight issue, but fueling places around here are few and far between. The fuel dock at Blakely is still closed, Orcas ferry landing is closed. Once you leave Anacortes you got Deer Harbor, Friday Harbor and Roach Harbor. All of them are pretty close to one another. John
Buckda	posted 05-06-2009 04:22 PM ET (US) John - Keep it on you - if you come across a good Samaritan, they are much more likely to be willing to tow you to the nearest cove or dock than to the nearest harbor or port. Just a thought. I would always carry a spare due to the concerns mentioned above about a spun hub. If the situation is dire, you can always jump in and change the prop - it doesn't take more than 5 minutes if you are prepared, and it can be done in a rolling sea. Now...that of course assumes water temps above 60 or so. Colder water means don't go! In a calm sea, you can also change the prop from another vessel. Have them come alongside and then slowly drift back to change the prop. Have plenty of hands manning the boat hooks though, to fend off the hull from impaling itself on the prop or the propshaft while you're working. Bottom line, it makes sense to carry a spare - better to have and not want than to want and not have. If you don't have a spare, you can't change the prop no matter what the situation. Dave
towboater	posted 05-06-2009 05:07 PM ET (US) Run without it, but might pack it in the tow rig in the chance the kicker or Good Sam will get you back to the ramp and only loose that amount of time instead of killing the whole day. knock knock. At least you will be half right. Looks like the weather is going to be pretty good Saturday. Just a reminder, this weekend is the last for Wa clams on the coast til next fall. mk
gnr	posted 05-06-2009 05:21 PM ET (US) I've needed my spare one time in 20ish years of boat owning. I'm glad I had it and I still carry one.
skiff	posted 05-06-2009 08:16 PM ET (US) 'Hope for the best, plan for the worst.' I carry a Piranha composite prop as a spare (my regular prop is one of those, my original stainless steel prop is in the garage at home). I've never had to use it, but that doesn't mean that I won't. I went the composite route to cover my bases on a few trips to the W. Coast of Vancouver Island, and I've not noticed any real performance drop? I think they've got the bugs worked out by now. I use the composite just so I don't transfar all that force up into my lower end if I ever hit something. For what I do, poking around in close and with plenty of rocks about, it just seems prudent to me. My boat is only 15', and I don't have a spare motor on it, so my prop and it's backup are my only ticket home.
lakeman	posted 05-06-2009 08:18 PM ET (US) I too, have carried a spare prop of some sorts, I have owned a SS prop since they were introduced, I have never needed a spare prop. Having said that, I have never hit anything that damaged, knock on fiberglass, has damaged a SS prop enough that I could not get home on it. I will say I'm fairly lucky.
Tohsgib	posted 05-07-2009 11:40 AM ET (US) I was out cruising in my Baja at about 30mph and 2700rpm when she just went into neutral. I pulled back and it would go but only to about 5knts...spun it while cruising. You would think I had to hit something or it would have given up the ghost when getting on plane...nope. Limped back 2 miles to a ramp and swapped props and on my merry way again.
20dauntless	posted 05-07-2009 12:45 PM ET (US) One last comment... In the last 500 or so hours of operation, primarily in the San Juans, I have never bent or damaged a prop. And I've hit big logs hard! Think 45 mph, 6 foot long by 10 inch diameter logs. I've clogged the pitot tube for my speedometer too many times to count. But the prop has always been fine. I don't carry a spare in the Whaler, which has a stainless prop, but I do carry one in the C-Dory with an aluminum prop.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 05-07-2009 02:49 PM ET (US) Besides a prop wrench on a lanyard, you'll need a spare SS cotter pin and tools to get the cotter pin out. And a spare nut wouldn't hurt. Chuck
Brian7son	posted 05-07-2009 03:03 PM ET (US) I carry a spare prop and hub kit for both outboard engines as well as a prop wrench. I also spun a hub about 7 miles offshore in the keys. I didnt hit anything either. Fortunately, the motor would still work up to about 2K RPMS, so I was able to run back on both motors at 2K rpms which wasnt too bad. When I got back to the Marina on a Sunday, it was great to have all the stuff with me that I needed to fix it.
Dave Sutton	posted 05-07-2009 03:05 PM ET (US) Chuck's dead right, although not all engines use cotter pins (some use self locking nuts and bendable tabs). I carry a disassembled Pro-Pulse composite prop that when broken down takes VERY little space, five spare nuts (I had them, so why not?), a handful of the sheet metal tabs (substitute cotter pins if needed), a prop wrench on a lanyard, and a mask and snorkle (trust me, it makes it a lot easier if you need to swim). All of that stuff fits into the console and you never know it's there. Needed to change a prop once and we saved the day of diving, without it we would have lost the day. That one day alone was worth carrying the prop for all these years. More commonly, the prop has been used to help other boaters. It's surprising how many engine makers and HP engines one prop will fit in a pinch. Merc and Yamaha fit each other for sure, in a pretty wide HP range. Dave .
David Pendleton	posted 05-07-2009 07:51 PM ET (US) I've never known anyone that found bottom hard enough to render a (stainless-steel) prop worthy of changing that didn't destroy their gear box as a result.
Tohsgib	posted 05-07-2009 09:22 PM ET (US) I never knew a lower unit that was destroyed by a prop that was seither SS or alum. That myth is BS.
David Pendleton	posted 05-08-2009 12:26 PM ET (US) Perhaps, but I was driving the boat when it happened...
Tom W Clark	posted 05-08-2009 01:52 PM ET (US) Folks have damaged their gearboxs with aluminum propellers as well. It does happen, but the old wives tale about stainless causing damage when aluminum will not is, as Nick gently puts it, BS. I have bent a stainless steel prop exactly once in my life. I was driving. The blades were bent almost 90 degrees. No damage to the motor whatsoever. The motor is working fine today, three years later. The bent prop was repaired to like-new condition for about $100 and is providing good service today as well. To answer John's question -- I do not recommend he carry a spare prop for the waters he navigates. I do not carry spare props on my Revenge, though I do carry spare hub kits at some times.