Balancing a Prop

[saltyrob]

Hi

Our 28 foot yacht is fitted with a folding prop.The age of the prop is unknown and I would best describe it as low tech compared to the latest products.Should the prop be periodically checked to see if the blades are balanced to avoid excessive vibration/wear.If the prop requires checking are there any suggestions as to who could carry out this work,especially on the east coast.

Many thanks


ROB

 

[alec]

Rob,

I think you may be right. It seems probable, that over a period of time, having bashed things ( my own experience) and uneven wear etc a prop probably becomes unbalanced.

I have a new prop and you can see where they have filled it to obtain balance.

I would have thought that any local marine engineering works could check it out and give it a nice polish for moderate cost.

Regards,

 

[boatmike]

Nah! These things are far too inefficient to benefit from balancing. They need to be heavy to generate enough centrefugal force to stay open in reverse. Just clean it well and lubricate the pivot point with waterproof grease.