Propellers

Boat Propellers for Inboard and Outboard Boats

Choosing the right boat propeller is important, not only for achieving top speeds, but also for the overall performance of your boat. With Anything Boating's large selection of boat propellers, you're sure to find the right propeller for your inboard or outboard boat.

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What materials are boat propellers made of and which is the best?

Boat propellers can be made out of aluminum or stainless steel. While aluminum boat propellers are durable and affordable, stainless steel props are five times stronger. Having a stainless steel boat propeller will dramatically improve the durability and performance of your boat propeller.

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What should I know about my boat before choosing a propeller?

Before purchasing a boat propeller, you need to know some basic information about your boat. You have to take into consideration what you use your boat for, where you use your boat, your average speed, the average amount of weight you have on your boat, and your boat's operating range.

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Why do some propellers have different numbers of blades?

Depending on the boat's use, it could have a 3 blade prop or a 4 blade prop. A 3 blade prop will give you better all-around performance and has the advantage of top end speed. However, if you are planning on using your boat for watersports and don't find top end speed to be critical to your boating experience, you will want to use a 4 blade prop. Using a 4 blade prop can decrease your rpm.

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How do I know which size propeller my boat needs?

When considering what size boat propeller to choose, you have to have a basic idea of what your boat is used for and where it is used. Once you know this information, you have to determine the diameter and pitch in order to know what size boat propeller your boat needs.

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What is a "cupped" propeller and how is it beneficial?

A cupped propeller is a boat propeller that has a lip along the edge of each blade. There are a few benefits to having a cupped boat propeller, including creating extra space between the blades which helps to reduce ventilation and the chance of slippage and creates the opportunity for quicker acceleration.

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How do I know if I need a right- or left hand propeller?

A left-hand propeller rotates counterclockwise and a right-hand propeller rotates in a clockwise direction. The hand designation of a boat propeller affects steering. To determine if you need a right- or left-hand boat prop, you can use your hand. When holding the hub of the propeller in the palm of your hand, relax your thumb. If your thumb touches the blade of the boat propeller, then the hand you are holding it in is the hand designation for your boat prop. For example, if you are holding it in your right hand and your relaxed thumb touches the blade, you need a right-hand propeller. If using more than one prop, you should have a combination of right and left hand propellers.

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Can I change the pitch in my propeller?

Yes, you can change the pitch in your boat propeller by 2 degrees either higher or lower. Increasing your boat propeller's pitch will make the boat go faster, while lowering the boat propeller pitch will increase the thrust and acceleration of your boat.

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Is it difficult to install a boat propeller?

No! It is not difficult to install a boat propeller. Most everyone can do it with the right instructions, and usually pretty quickly. You simply clean the spline and apply a coat of grease to it, then slip the propeller on and attach the hardware to keep it in place.