In addition to cleaning the hull, our professional regularly checks the propellers which may be damaged or worn out. Corrosion of the propeller or white calcium deposits may appear. If the propellers are not inspected regularly, they can lead to overconsumption of energy for the engines. Several problems happen such as a broken tip in the propeller, a net wrapped around the keel or other.
When to replace the propeller of a boat?
– When the speed suddenly slows down => indeed, a damaged propeller reduces the maximum speed of the boat. The more damaged the propellers, the more significant the reduction in speed.
– When your propeller has damaged blades, it is essential to check the propellers before each departure. If scratches are visible, breaks or bumps on the blades. It is then necessary to carry out simple repairs if they are not too important. If the propeller on the other hand and seriously broken, it must be replaced by a new propeller.
– When the propeller has a wrong diameter => It is important to choose the right diameter of the propellers. These are very important parameters and only the right size will guarantee good safety and optimal efficiency.
– When the boat shakes while driving => A damaged propeller can make your boat shake. If a boat is not working very well, it may be that the propeller blades are deformed or dented.
Conclusion: Salt water has a corrosive effect on the propellers. Salt water acts as an electrolyte, and therefore, completely damages the propeller. The ideal is to clean the propeller every time you sail because the salt water contains barnacles and marine parasites that settle on the propeller.
The anodes :
The anodes are essential, and very important elements that must be monitored.
The anodes of a boat are a crucial element. They make it possible to avoid corrosion of the metal parts. The anode is the bulwark against underwater corrosion. It is the best protection for a boat against galvanic effects on the metal parts present on board (base, engine, propeller, keel, fin, stern, pins, nails…etc). It is absolutely necessary to change them regularly when they are visibly worn out.
When should we change the anodes?
The normal wear of an anode is between 6 to 1 year. The factors often intervene following the quality of the water, the metals present, the electrical leaks… etc. A partially worn anode, disintegrates very quickly. It is enough to tap on it with a hammer so that it breaks quickly. For the change, it is simply necessary to remove the old anode, clean the surface, place and then screw the new one with the provided screws. It is recommended to change an anode when it has lost 75% of its mass.