Propeller & Running Gear Cleaning

If you're searching for a reliable propeller cleaning service near me in Rhode Island or the Greater Boston area, Precision Yacht Diving is your trusted veteran-owned partner. The running gear of your vessel—including propellers, shafts, struts, and rudders—is critical to its overall performance and handling. Because these components are typically unpainted or coated with specialized foul-release products, they are highly susceptible to rapid marine growth.

The Impact of Fouled Running Gear

Even a small amount of barnacle growth or algae on your propeller can have a drastic impact on your boat's efficiency. Fouled running gear disrupts the hydrodynamics of the propeller blades, leading to decreased top-end speed, sluggish acceleration, and significantly higher fuel consumption. More importantly, uneven growth on a propeller can cause severe vibrations that travel up the shaft, potentially damaging cutlass bearings, shaft seals, and even the transmission over time.

Professional In-Water Service

Hauling your boat out of the water just to clean the running gear is expensive and time-consuming. Our certified commercial divers provide comprehensive in-water cleaning services directly at your slip or mooring. We meticulously remove all hard and soft growth from your props, shafts, struts, trim tabs, and bow thrusters. We use specialized scrapers and abrasive pads designed to polish the metal surfaces without causing damage, restoring your running gear to optimal condition.

Comprehensive Marine Maintenance

During our propeller cleaning service, we also inspect your running gear for any signs of damage, electrolysis, or wear, such as loose prop nuts or worn cutlass bearings. This proactive approach helps catch minor issues before they become major repairs.

To keep your entire vessel performing flawlessly, we recommend combining our running gear service with our hull cleaning services. Additionally, protecting your newly cleaned metal components is vital, which is why we offer expert zinc anode replacement. We can also document the condition of your gear with detailed underwater inspections. Learn more about our comprehensive marine maintenance solutions.