iBoat Skipper Doug
Active Member
- Aug 8, 2018
- 140
- Boat Info
- 2003 225 Weekender w/Bravo III drive
2019 Venture trailer
- Engines
- 5.7 MPI Mercruiser w/Bravo III drive
As I’m brining this new to me boat back to life, one of my projects is painting the outdrive. This lead me to polishing the dual stainless steel propellers.
With two very small nicks in one propeller, crescent in shape and no bigger then the size I would cut off when I trim my finger nails, I took them to a prop shop. Thats when I lerned they have a one price policy, no matter how severe or minor the damage. I did not want to drop $300 to get these two minor dings fixed. During my short ride on this boat, I could detect no propeller vibration.
I talked to another prop builder, watched a few YouTube videos, then used a metal file as instructed, taking great care to never create a rounded corner on the edge of the prop. Its DIY fixed, but not yet real world in the water tested.
Next, I wanted to improve the looks. I wanted props so shiny that the fish would really be impressed. After some trail and error, I learned compound or oxidation remover had little affect. Neither did wet 120 grit sand paper. Tried a fine cup wire brush on a drill. Better but man, it was going slow. Finally tried a course cup wire on a drill. Now I was making progress. Next, I rinsed the props in water then waxed. Below are before and after photos.
Now the props are smooths as a babies ars.
Have you tried DIY or Do-it-yourself stainless steel propeller polishing? How did you do it? What were the results?
With two very small nicks in one propeller, crescent in shape and no bigger then the size I would cut off when I trim my finger nails, I took them to a prop shop. Thats when I lerned they have a one price policy, no matter how severe or minor the damage. I did not want to drop $300 to get these two minor dings fixed. During my short ride on this boat, I could detect no propeller vibration.
I talked to another prop builder, watched a few YouTube videos, then used a metal file as instructed, taking great care to never create a rounded corner on the edge of the prop. Its DIY fixed, but not yet real world in the water tested.
Next, I wanted to improve the looks. I wanted props so shiny that the fish would really be impressed. After some trail and error, I learned compound or oxidation remover had little affect. Neither did wet 120 grit sand paper. Tried a fine cup wire brush on a drill. Better but man, it was going slow. Finally tried a course cup wire on a drill. Now I was making progress. Next, I rinsed the props in water then waxed. Below are before and after photos.
Now the props are smooths as a babies ars.
Have you tried DIY or Do-it-yourself stainless steel propeller polishing? How did you do it? What were the results?
Last edited: