Removing your inboard propeller or ski boat propeller is pretty straight forward even though it looks complicated. Here are the simple steps to follow when removing your boat’s propeller.

• Leaving the Nut On:

With a block of wood preventing the prop from spinning, remove the cotter pin and loosen both nuts. Remove the half-height nut completely and leave the full-height nut on the tail of the shaft. Since there are usually at least a couple of threads engaged, this usually works. Since the propeller usually requires some force to be removed, this prevents it from falling and becoming damaged (or landing on your head, hands, or feet).

• Try A Firm Grab: 

You should grab the boat propeller by the root of two blades and pull it evenly; if it slides off, praise the deity of your choice. Watch out for the shaft key, which usually falls out at this point. Make sure your box up the old propeller for reconditioning, and then send it to the propeller shop.

• Prop Pullers for Ski Boat Wheels:

One of the most common propeller pullers out there is an Acme C clamp and an Acme harmonic prop puller. A controlled force must be exerted between the forward side of the prop hub and the tail end of the propeller shaft. The prop will jump loose, so make sure the big nut is threaded onto the shaft. Be vigilant about that key!

At Tacoma Propeller we also make a heavy-duty prop puller option right here in house. They are custom made to fit shaft sizes up to 3″ in diameter. They will pull 3 and most 4 blade propellers from shafts. These prop pullers are available for purchase on our website.

• Prop Puller Sizes Include: 

PP-125 for shafts from 1 1/8-1 1/4″: $349.00

PP-150 for shafts from 1 3/8-1 1/2″: $359.00

PP-200 for shafts from 1 3/4-2: $380.00

PP-300 for shafts from 2-3″: $550