If you are in need of a boat propeller you may want to consider buying one that is of high quality, but used. Looking at second hand boat propellors can give you the ability to get one of much higher quality than what you would get for the same money brand new. There are, however, some things that you need to know to ensure that you are getting one that will last you a long time and is worth the money that you will pay.
The first step is knowing exactly what type of propeller that you need. There are a wide variety available and the one that is best for you boat depends on your boats size, style and what you use your boat for. Depending on these factors a different propellers are going to give you different levels of speed and acceleration.
It is also important to choose the right propeller to ensure that it is right for the engine that you have. Having a propeller that is too small or big can put excess stress on your engine, which of course, could eventually lead to blowing the engine completely. Taking the time to do your research is essential to ensuring that you are making the right choice.
First, to get the right prop you must know how they are sized. The size of a prop is determined by the diameter of the propeller as well as it’s pitch. You can measure this by measuring from the center to the edge of any propeller and doubling it. While it may seem obvious, smaller props go with smaller engines and larger props with larger engines, but there are a few exceptions to this rule.
The pitch is important because it is related to the speed that it will allow the boat to travel as well as the stress that it will put on the engine. A lower pitch will increase the acceleration as well as the pulling power. Increasing the pitch will increase the speed capabilities as long as the engine can sustain the power necessary.
If you are thinking about getting a prop with a different number of blades that is less important. It may require a slight change in the diameter or pitch, but it is not a significant change. When considering this you may want to talk to a professional to ensure that you are making the right decision based on your engine size and what you wish to do with your boat in most cases of its use.
There are also a variety of different materials that a propeller can be made from. These differences primarily affect the durability of the propeller, and can, of course make a different in how much they cost. The three primary options are aluminum, composite and stainless steel. Composite is generally the least expensive option, but it is still rather durable under most conditions. This is ideal for situations in which you may worry about your prob striking an object, like trolling in shallow waters. Aluminum is best for the widest range of conditions and is also relatively inexpensive. Finally, stainless steel is the most expensive, but it offers the highest level of durability as well as performance.
If you prior prop was performing well when it comes to providing the desired speed and acceleration it is best to replace it with a similar model. You can change the type of material it is made out of, but it is ideal to replace it with one that is close to the same when it comes to its diameter and pitch. However, if it wasn’t you may want to give a different size a try. It is important to be very diligent about researching what options you have so that the choice you make is still safe for your engine’s size.
Once you have determine that type of second hand boat propellors that you are looking for you can begin your search. There are a large number of places that you can choose from to find the one that you want at a great price. It is best to look around so that you can be sure that you are getting a fair deal. Every company will have a different idea of what a used option is worth.
Typically you shouldn’t expect to pay more than 2/3 of what it would cost new. If you are looking for a really great deal you may want to consider buying from a private party. They aren’t a business so they will just be looking to get portion of what they had originally paid for it instead of worrying about making a profit. There are sites that are dedicated to assisting people connect that are looking to buy, sell or trade boat parts.
Whichever route that you choose just be sure that you have put in the time to truly understand what type of propeller you need and the specific material that you want. As long as you put in the time you will surely be happy with the purchase that you make. Fortunately, there is a large market of second hand boat propellors available to purchase. You should not have a problem finding one that is exactly what you are looking for. Now get to work so that you can find a great deal on your next propeller.