Propeller & Running Gear
Prop reconditioning, shaft alignment, struts, cutless bearings, and underwater hardware.
The running gear — propeller, shaft, strut, cutless bearing, rudder — is what actually moves your boat through the water, and it takes a beating. Misalignment causes vibration that destroys bearings and seals; a damaged propeller costs you 1-2 knots and 10-20% of fuel economy; a worn cutless bearing leads to seal failure and a slow leak that can sink the boat. Specialized prop shops can repitch, refinish, and rebalance props in days, and a competent yard can handle shaft alignment, strut work, and underwater hardware service as part of an annual haul-out.
Browse propeller & running gear by state
7 statesPick a state to see shops in your area. Counts are best-effort from public listings; reach out to specific shops to confirm what they currently offer.
Frequently asked
- How much does propeller reconditioning cost?
- A standard reconditioning (straightening, repitching, balancing, polishing) for a typical 3-blade prop on a cruising boat runs $200–$500 in 2026. Replacement of a damaged or worn prop is $400–$1,500 depending on size and material (aluminum vs. bronze vs. nibral).
- How do I know if my shaft is misaligned?
- Signs include vibration that increases with RPM, premature cutless bearing wear, shaft seal leaks, and gear-train noise. Misalignment is typically caused by engine mount settling over time. A yard with a dial indicator can measure alignment to thousandths in about an hour.
- What is a cutless bearing and how often does it need replacement?
- The cutless bearing is the rubber-lined sleeve in the strut that supports the prop shaft. It typically lasts 5–10 years; signs of wear include shaft play (more than 1/16"), vibration at speed, and accelerated seal wear. Replacement is a haul-out job, usually $300–$800 in labor plus the bearing.