A trolling motor prop is held on by a prop nut and turned by a small drive pin through the motor shaft. Most trolling motor props are weedless designs that shed vegetation, but fishing line wrapped behind the prop is the most common problem: it can cut the shaft seal and let water into the motor. Check behind the prop every few trips, and replace a chipped or cracked prop to restore thrust and reduce vibration.
When to replace a trolling motor prop
- Chips, cracks or missing pieces on the blades
- Vibration that appeared after hitting something
- Lower speed or thrust than before with good batteries
- A worn or sheared drive pin, or a prop that spins on the shaft
How to remove and replace the prop
- Disconnect power so the motor cannot start.
- Hold the prop and remove the prop nut, usually with a wrench or the tool supplied with the motor.
- Slide the prop off and remove the drive pin; replace it if it is bent or worn.
- Clear any fishing line or weeds from the shaft and check the seal area.
- Fit the pin, align the prop’s slot with it, and tighten the nut to the specified torque.
Prop nut and drive pin
The drive pin transfers power and can shear when the prop strikes something, protecting the motor. Carry a spare pin and nut. Use the parts specified for your motor, because sizes vary between models and brands.
Weedless props and prop guards
Weedless props have swept blades that push vegetation aside, which suits shallow, weedy water. Prop guards protect against rocks and stumps but can add drag; consider your water before fitting one.
Prop upgrades
Some anglers fit alternative props designed for more thrust or quieter running. Check that any upgrade is made for your motor’s shaft and that it will not overload the motor or shorten run time.
Line wrap and water intrusion
Fishing line can work its way past the prop and damage the seal, letting water into the lower housing, which eventually damages the motor. If you find tightly wound line, remove it promptly and watch for any loss of power; see trolling motor troubleshooting.
Prop vs battery problems
If thrust drops gradually across a trip, check batteries and connections before blaming the prop; see trolling motor battery life. For outboard props, see the propeller sizing guide; for a new motor, see our trolling motors and Terrova vs Ultrex vs Ulterra.
More guides: brushless vs brushed · how fast a trolling motor goes · how long trolling motors last · how to tell if a prop is bent.
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