How To Remove This Prop Help Needed

collarobo · 2026-07-14T12:50:10-0600

I have a 2004 Yamaha F115 it has a 4 blade prop and I have no idea how to remove this prop. There is a black plastic cap as you can see once its is removed there is no nut and no cotter key. It looks like I need a puller or spanner wrench,,, I am trying to remove the prop as I think I spun the prop, I have never had the prop off as I just purchased the boat a few months ago and my motor reves up high RPMS and doesn't go anywhere I had a lose of power while moving in the water and all of a sudden it felp like a slipping clutch if anyone can tell me how to remove this prop I would sure appreciate it.

cwella · 2026-07-14T12:52:23-0600

collarobo said:
I have a 2004 Yamaha F115 it has a 4 blade prop and I have no idea how to remove this prop. There is a black plastic cap as you can see once its is removed there is no nut and no cotter key. It looks like I need a puller or spanner wrench,,, I am trying to remove the prop as I think I spun the prop, I have never had the prop off as I just purchased the boat a few months ago and my motor reves up high RPMS and doesn't go anywhere I had a lose of power while moving in the water and all of a sudden it felp like a slipping clutch if anyone can tell me how to remove this prop I would sure appreciate it.

It sounds like you may have a spun prop hub, especially with the high RPMs and little to no forward movement. On a Yamaha F115, the prop is usually held on by a prop nut and washer behind the cover, so check carefully for a hidden nut or retainer setup before using force.

My advice would be to avoid damaging the prop or shaft and have the prop checked by a prop shop if you’re unsure. They can confirm whether the hub is spun and rebuild or replace it if needed. Also inspect the prop shaft area while it’s off for any damage or fishing line wrapped around it.

flashback · 2026-07-14T13:05:14-0600

don't know what brand of prop you have, but I've never heard of one that doesn't need a nut to hold it on. some one has been buggering it.

collarobo · 2026-07-14T14:16:43-0600

as you can see in the pictures there is no nut and there is also no hole in the shaft where a cotter key would go,,, when I pulled the cap off I am looking at the shaft and the threads look fine the part that has me puzzled is no nut and no hole for a cotter key if there was a nut

cwella · 2026-07-14T14:18:29-0600

collarobo said:
I have a 2004 Yamaha F115 it has a 4 blade prop and I have no idea how to remove this prop. There is a black plastic cap as you can see once its is removed there is no nut and no cotter key. It looks like I need a puller or spanner wrench,,, I am trying to remove the prop as I think I spun the prop, I have never had the prop off as I just purchased the boat a few months ago and my motor reves up high RPMS and doesn't go anywhere I had a lose of power while moving in the water and all of a sudden it felp like a slipping clutch if anyone can tell me how to remove this prop I would sure appreciate it.

It does sound like a spun prop hub based on your description. If you can share a photo of the prop after removing the plastic cap, it will help identify the retention system and the correct way to remove it.

sangerwaker · 2026-07-14T14:30:22-0600

Looks like that is a McGard prop lock. Check to see if they sent the key with the boat when you got it.

Propeller Locks – McGard

mcgard.com

There is info on the web on how to remove them if you don't have the key.

flashback · 2026-07-14T15:40:22-0600

Could very well be!

Scott Danforth · 2026-07-14T16:16:52-0600

cwella said:
. If you can share a photo of the prop after removing the plastic cap, it will help identify the retention system and the correct way to remove it.

Dude, the OP posted a pic, did you not look?

alldodge · 2026-07-14T16:23:53-0600

sangerwaker said:
Looks like that is a McGard prop lock. Check to see if they sent the key with the boat when you got it.

Propeller Locks – McGard

mcgard.com

There is info on the web on how to remove them if you don't have the key.

Agree, McGard

jimmbo · 2026-07-14T17:22:52-0600

Ditto on the Security Nut on the Prop, a real pain when you don't have the Key.
I really am not fan of these, as there is no locking of the Prop Nut preventing it from backing off on its own,

Scott Danforth · 2026-07-14T17:56:43-0600

A welder is your friend to remove the prop lock

Mc Tool · 2026-07-14T19:32:08-0600

Is it sorta like the security nut used on cars to stop thieves steeling your mag wheels ( need the special socket )...looks like it might be but pic aint so clear

How To Remove This Prop Help Needed

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