Can a stainless prop be repaired after a rock strike?

Usually yes. Stainless props are weld-repairable even with significant damage. The shop welds the missing material, grinds to shape, re-pitches, and dynamic-balances. A well-repaired stainless prop is often as good as new at a fraction of replacement cost.

How do I know if I have the right pitch prop?

Run the boat at WOT with a normal load. Check the RPM. Compare to the engine manufacturer recommendation. If you are below the WOT range, pitch is too high. Above the range, pitch is too low. We can check and correct.

Aluminum or stainless prop for Miami?

Depends on use. Stainless holds its edge longer, gives cleaner water flow, and runs slightly faster but breaks harder on impact. Aluminum is cheaper, bends before it breaks (often protecting the lower unit), and is easier to replace. For tournament fishing or performance boats, stainless wins. For general Miami cruising, either works.

How often do props need inspection?

Any time you feel new vibration. Visually once per season. Every haul-out for boat bottom painting is also a good time to pull the prop, inspect, clean the shaft, and re-grease.

Boat Propeller Repair & Reconditioning in Miami

Name: Boat Repair Miami
Address: Miami, FL, US
Telephone: (305) 290-2701

Prop reconditioning, balancing, pitch adjustment, prop selection, stainless and aluminum repair

Request Service Call (305) 290-2701

Miami Propeller Specialists

Props take a beating. A soft bottom here, a submerged log there, and suddenly the boat is shaking at 3500 RPM and losing speed. Most props are repairable well past the point most owners assume. Our shop partners handle everything from minor blade-edge touchups to full weld-and-re-pitch rebuilds on stainless and aluminum props.

(305) 290-2701

Propeller Reconditioning

Most prop damage is repairable. We handle the full range:

Blade edge dressing and filing
Minor ding and dent repair
Weld repair on bent or broken blades
Rebuild of missing tips or sections
Hub replacement (for pressed-hub aluminum props)
Flo-Torq and XFT hub service for stainless props
Full blade re-pitch
Static and dynamic balancing

Pitch Adjustment

Getting pitch right matters. Too much pitch and the engine lugs below its recommended WOT RPM range, which kills fuel economy and stresses the powertrain. Too little pitch and the engine overrevs, burns fuel, and can damage valvetrain components. We pitch-correct props in 1-inch increments based on your boat, load, and engine. A proper pitch change can gain 3-5 MPH at cruise and get the engine into its happy range.

Prop Selection

Choosing the right prop for a boat is as much art as science. Variables include boat weight, hull type, engine HP, gear ratio, typical load, intended use, and preferred cruise vs. top-end balance. We work through the selection with you:

Aluminum vs. stainless (durability, weight, ventilation behavior)
3-blade vs. 4-blade (top end vs. hole shot)
Cupping (bite, lift, stern-squat behavior)
Diameter and pitch matched to engine RPM range

Outboard vs. Sterndrive vs. Inboard Props

We handle props for every drive type: single and counter-rotating outboards, sterndrive props (Mercury and Volvo Penta), inboard props (3-blade, 4-blade, 5-blade for vibration sensitive boats), and surface-piercing props on performance boats.

Prop Removal & Reinstallation

Props stuck on shafts are a common Miami problem. Saltwater gets behind the prop and corrodes the splines to the shaft. We have the pullers and heat tools to remove even badly seized props without damaging the shaft. Reinstallation includes new cotter pin, thread locker, and proper torque.

Turnaround Times

Minor dress work is often same day. Full reconditioning with blade weld and re-pitch is typically 3-5 business days through our partner shops. Rush service is available for tournament prep or charter customers.

Need a prop looked at? Call (305) 290-2701 or request service.

Know the Signs

Signs Your Prop Needs Repair

If you notice any of these warning signs, contact our team right away. Early diagnosis saves you time and money on repairs.

Vibration or shake above cruising RPM

Visible dings, bent tips, or missing blade sections

Lost top-end speed compared to new

Engine RPM outside the WOT range (over or under)

Soft prop rubber hub slipping

Boat will not plane or planes slow

Hub corrosion or galling on the shaft

Boat prop spin test: should coast freely

Our Process

Our Propeller Service Process

Remove & Inspect

Pull the prop (in water for outboards, out of water for inboards/sterndrives) and document damage.

Quote & Authorize

Clear quote for repair, re-pitch, or replacement before work begins.

Shop Work

Partner shop performs weld repair, re-pitch, and static/dynamic balance. 3-5 business days typical.

Reinstall & Test

New cotter pin, proper torque, and sea-trial to confirm no vibration and correct RPM range.

Miami Propeller Specialists

Miami Boats Find Every Hard Spot

Between Biscayne Bay sandbars, coral heads off the reef, and submerged debris in the Intracoastal, Miami props see hard strikes regularly. Our shop partners handle the full reconditioning range for stainless, aluminum, and specialty surface-piercing props. We remove seized props from corroded Miami shafts without damaging the shaft, something that is not always easy on boats that have sat for years without prop removal.

Why Choose Us