How a propeller works
Have a look around any boatyard and you will notice quite a variety of propellers – some have two blades, some have three and others have four or more. While most propellers are completely rigid some have blades that fold. Propellers can be right handed, where they...
Sterndrive maintenance
Sterndrives are a popular form of propulsion in the powerboat market. While popular, they require a fair amount of maintenance, their care and maintenance can keep a DIY boater very busy. The main factors to be aware of are salt water corrosion, lubrication and...
Saildrive maintenance
There are less maintenance tasks to carry out on a saildrive transmission than on a traditional inboard shaft drive system with its associated stern gear. For example, you don’t have to worry about engine alignment, cutless bearings and stern glands. I owned a...
Cutless bearing replacement
Just before a propeller shaft meets the propeller it passes through a bearing known as the cutless bearing, which supports the shaft and helps it rotate smoothly. Cutless bearings are tube shaped and typically made from bronze, marine grade brass or stainless steel...
Dripless shaft seals
As their name implies, dripless shaft seals are designed to completely stop water from entering a boat’s hull via the stern tube. There are two main types of dripless seals known as face seals and lip seals which many boat manufacturers now fit to production...
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Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Sector lights, directional lights and leading lights guide vessels safely through hazardous waters or narrow channels - how do they differ?
Propellers are complicated and repairs should be done by specialists but owners can carry out checks and some routine maintenance themselves when the boat is in the boatyard. A propeller is critical to a boat's performance, fuel consumption and ride, so it makes sense to keep a propeller in good wor...
Marine gear is pricey. Do you always have to buy expensive marine products for your boat?