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What Can I Use to Clean My Boat Prop?

The propellers for boats are made from bronze, stainless steel, or Nibral alloy. Although they are resistant to corrosion, external growth like barnacles and slime can develop in the marine environment. These growths on props can cause imbalance, disrupt the laminar flow, and cause cavitations. This reduces the power that is converted into usable thrust. Props for boats must be kept clean to ensure their efficient functioning.

You will need the following tools and materials:

Socket

Needle-nose pliers

Rotary sander

Hammer

Machine file

Wire brush

Chisel

Pressure washer

Breaker bar

Sandpaper 180-grit

Step 1 – Removal

Use needle-nose pliers to remove the cotter pin on the propeller shaft. The socket and breaker bar can be used to break the torque on the locknut. Turn the locknut and then take the locknut washer, propeller, and locknut washer off the shaft. If the propeller hub is too tight, you can use a rubber hammer to loosen it.

Step 2 – Cleaning

You can remove barnacles or mussels using the chisel, but not the propeller. Or you can use the corners to dig in. Use a wire brush to remove all barnacles from the propellers. To remove hair or slime, use the pressure-washer

Step 3 – Inspection

Look for any nicks on the wheel. Arrange any nicks or dings along the edges of your blades that could cause a pull on the machine file.

Step 4 – Polishing

Use a rotary sander with 180-grit papers to smoothen the propeller. It is important to change the paper often as it can clog quickly on bronze and Nibral propellers. Polish the propeller until it gleams.

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