How often should you pull your prop?

[pbgeneral]

I have no issues at this time with my prop, however I have not pulled the prop off the foot since I bought the boat 3 yrs ago. My question should I pull the prop and can I tell from pulling it if a problem is around the corner. I hear stories of spun hubs and want to avoid such a issue while miles from shore.
Mercury 200hp, ss, 19p

 

[craze1cars]

Re: How often should you pull your prop?

Freshwater: Once a year. More frequently in saltwater. Most people who do this simply do it as part of the end-of-season storage routine.

However, this has nothing to do with spinning a hub. The only reason to do this is to prevent the propeller splines from seizing (corroding) to the prop shaft. You are supposed to regrease the splines each time you do this, again to prevent corrosion.

By preventing spline seizure, you prevent the unpleasant surprise of having to cut your propeller in half, just to remove the prop some day...

There is no such thing as maintenance or inspection that will prevent a spun hub. It just happens when it happens...and is usually the result of an impact.

 

[pbgeneral]

Re: How often should you pull your prop?

Freshwater: Once a year. More frequently in saltwater. Most people who do this simply do it as part of the end-of-season storage routine.

However, this has nothing to do with spinning a hub. The only reason to do this is to prevent the propeller splines from seizing (corroding) to the prop shaft. You are supposed to regrease the splines each time you do this, again to prevent corrosion.

By preventing spline seizure, you prevent the unpleasant surprise of having to cut your propeller in half, just to remove the prop some day...

There is no such thing as maintenance or inspection that will prevent a spun hub. It just happens when it happens...and is usually the result of an impact.

Wow, thanks Craze1cars. I believe I am well over due to pull it then. I hope not to have too much trouble in pulling it, since it has been on there for quite some time. Thanks again. I do love this forum, keep up the great stuff guys.

 

[scipper77]

Re: How often should you pull your prop?

I think you will be fine. Like has already been said just clean and apply a little fresh grease to the prop shaft. I do mine as part of winterization and the only thing giving my prop resistance to removal is old gummy grease. It turns into more of a weak glue for me.