How can I remove a bent propeller from a boat?

Question

We have an inboard engine and the prop got bent today. We have taken off the pin and the nut and the end of the propeller, but instead of being able to spin it off, it just freely rotates. What else has to happen to get it off?

Answer 1

The prop shaft of most inboards is tapered and has a key way. Use a three jaw puller. If the prop has been on a long time, you may have to apply heat with a torch on the prop hub. Just hope you didn't bent the strut, throwing the shaft out of alignment..

Answer 2

There are prop pullers for that. When you say it rotates freely, do you mean the prop or the prop shaft? If the prop rotates freely and you have taken the nuts off then the prop will come right off. Chances are the prop is not rotating but the shaft is. Try to get a prop puller and use that. Keep a nut on a few threads so the prop does not fall to the ground when it pops. You may need some heat to get it also. Make sure the shaft is not bent as well as the strut.

Answer 3

Some slide off, just pull. Some have a key. If, it not slide off easy, it may be oxidized. Almost like being glued on. As mention a wheel puller may be you only hope. May try raising the engine and spray with WD-40 and gently tap around on it, Rubber mallet be best. It may need to soak for some time and spray off/on over time.
I never use much grease on the shaft. Very thin. Also, something I have not tried that may work (Maybe someone will know) is use Anti-seeze (Not sure how to spell). It the stuff they use on Spark Plug threads.

Answer 4

It depeneds from what i hear it sounds as if you might have a damged drive shaft never taken off an inboard but IOs. Should just come off with a little twist. I would bring it in if I were you.

Answer 5

Have you tried to pull on it? It should just slide off. Make sure to grease the new one.