spare prop question

[brevoortia]

Is it necessary to carry a spare prop on the boat? If I damaged the prop, would it be possible to replace it while on the water? I've read elsewhere that it isn't advisable to get in the water and attempt to do that kind of repair. Some say that its dangerous because the boat would be rocking so much it could come down on your head etc.

While I would be willing to carry one if I could beach the boat and do the repair, I don't know if I would have that opportunity in every situation. Is it worth having a spare, or is it a futile attempt to give myself peace of mind while not accomplishing anything.

Thanks

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

It is a good idea to carry spare props, specially for the days that the boat would not rock and hit your head.
Never heard of that one before,if it's bad you don't change the prop, but if its like glass out there you would wish you had a spare with you.
Just my 2 worthless pennies.

[Capt. Mick]

I don't know if carrying an extra prop is neccessary if your in the inshore waters, but spinning a prop offshore is not good without a spare and the tools to change it. We used to carry a net cork with a lanyard to attach to tools that were needed close or in to the water.

[bobreeves]

You don't say what your rig is, but you might consider a Comprop (composite - plastic). They are a 4 blade, relatively light, cheap, and wouldn't tear up stuff in your storage area if bouncing around. I carry a spare prop (Comprop), cotter pins, needle-nose pliers, a chunk of wood to block the prop, and a torque wrench and socket on my J16, but I boat in a man-made lake that is full of stumps and other objects just below the surface. So far haven't had to use it, but it could be a long trip home with my trolling motor should I trash my prop and be without a spare. Regarding replacing it in the water - I'll cross that bridge if / when I get to it, but I think it's do-able, barring a major chop in which case I have no business being out there.

[Slim to None]

both of my boats have spare props and the tools to change them. my 25hp mercury uses the plastic locknuts, so i've got an extra one of those as well. where i fish i'm usually out of the reach of seatow, so i'm mostly on my own. i have once changed a prop on the water. hit some shell bar that took a chunk out of a blade, caused terrible vibration. so i swapped it out on a sandbar. offshore could get kinda difficult if it was rough.

[Dave]

I don't see any down side to keeping an extra prop on board. You can't change it if you don't have it - AND the tools to do the work.

Good idea about the float bag Capt Mick thumbsup

Dave