What are signs that my boat propeller needs repair?

Vibration, lower top speed, higher fuel use or uneven engine RPM often point to a damaged or unbalanced prop. We inspect it, and if it needs repair, a propeller shop we work with reshapes and balances it before we refit it.

Can a damaged propeller affect my fuel efficiency and handling?

Yes. Even minor dings or bends reduce efficiency and put strain on the drivetrain. A prop restored to its proper shape and balance helps fuel economy, acceleration and steering response.

Do you repair stainless steel and aluminum boat props?

Yes, both aluminum and stainless steel. We remove your prop, send it to a propeller repair shop for reshaping, welding if needed, and balancing, and refit it when it comes back. The prop shop's charge is part of your written estimate.

How much does it cost to repair a damaged propeller?

Labor is $150 an hour, plus a one-way trip fee by distance for work at your boat ($30 in San Pedro up to $110 in Newport Beach). Removing and refitting a prop usually takes 1-2 hours; the prop shop's repair charge depends on the material and the damage, and a badly cracked or broken prop may need replacing. You get a written estimate before any work starts.

How do I know if I need to replace the prop instead of repairing it?

Replace the prop when blades are broken or badly cracked, a lot of blade material is missing, or the repair would cost close to a new prop. A spun hub can usually be fixed by replacing the hub. If you need a new prop, we help you pick the right diameter and pitch.

Do you offer propeller balancing to reduce vibration?

Yes. A propeller shop balances repaired props before they go back on, which reduces vibration and is easier on the drive and gearbox.

Propeller Repair– Restore Thrust, Balance, and Fuel Efficiency

Boat propeller repair for outboards, stern drives and inboards, at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach or at our San Pedro shop. We inspect every blade and check the hub, shaft and seals after a strike; a propeller shop we work with reshapes and balances the prop, and we refit it. Any repair, including the prop shop's charge, is quoted before work starts.

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$150 /hr

Labor estimate Usually 1–2 hours

Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.

Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach

San Pedro$30
Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
Redondo Beach$60
Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
Marina del Rey$85
Newport Beach$110

Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members.

Registered in California: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
Questions first: (562) 542-7296 or submit a ticket

About this service

Boat Propeller Repair in Long Beach and San Pedro

We inspect, remove and refit boat propellers for outboards, stern drives and inboards at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or at our San Pedro shop; the reshaping and balancing is done by a propeller shop we work with. A hard strike can damage more than a blade, so we check the prop and the gear behind it before we quote.

What the work covers

Inspection: every blade checked for dents, bends, nicks, cracks and missing material, plus the hub, the size and the pitch.
Repair: bent blades reshaped, damaged edges restored and the prop balanced by a propeller shop we work with or refer you to; their charge is listed on your estimate.
Hub: a hub that slips under load replaced through propeller pulling and re-hubbing.
Inboard running gear: prop shaft alignment and cutless bearing replacement after a strike.
Outboards and stern drives: a lower unit reseal and pressure test when fishing line or a strike has damaged the seals.

On an outboard or stern drive we can often pull the prop at the slip with the drive tilted up. An inboard prop sits under the hull, so it usually comes off during a haul-out or is removed by a diver who works for you directly. Parts, the prop shop's work and any haul-out or diver charges are listed on your estimate.

Signs your prop needs attention

Vibration through the helm or deck that changes with RPM
Lower top speed, or the boat struggles to get on plane
The engine revs up but the boat does not pick up speed, which can mean a slipping hub
Visible dings, bent tips or curled edges
Fishing line or rope wrapped behind the prop

Questions about propeller repair

Can a bent propeller be repaired?

Often, yes. Bends, dents and small nicks can usually be corrected by reshaping and balancing. A cracked blade or one missing a lot of material may need a rebuild or a replacement. We tell you which after the inspection.

Can I keep running the boat with a damaged prop?

Slow down and have it checked first. An out-of-balance prop costs thrust and fuel and puts extra load on shaft seals, bearings and the drive.

Book a visit: submit a ticket with the boat, the engine, the size and pitch stamped on the prop, where it is kept and what you feel at the helm, or call (562) 542-7296.