Bring Spare Propeller Cruising?

[Annie in WA]

I'm planning on cruising down to Mexico from the PNW. I'm wondering if folks bring a spare propeller when they cruise for a couple of years out of the US. I'm thinking it might be useful if we damage our current prop, but our boat has a long fin keel and a skeg to protect both the front and the back of the prop and shaft. Our current prop is not easily found used. Opinions?

[Cheechako]

Nah. You cant take everything.

[RainDog]

I picked up a spare two-blade for $1 at the nautical flea market. It had a ding, but who cares for a spare? Might check the flea market or ebay for a well used one for a spare.

[bobconnie]

We carried one for 20 yrs, and then sold it to a cruiser who just had to have a spare !! just our 2 cents

[Kettlewell]

Good idea if you have a folding or feathering prop, but on a cruising sailboat I think it unlikely to damage a fixed prop.

[sartorst]

As long as you have it you want need it Ha Ha!

[Kettlewell]

As long as you have it you want need it Ha Ha!

That's true. The whole point of bringing spare parts is so that you only have to fix the things you don't have the parts for.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

That's true. The whole point of bringing spare parts is so that you only have to fix the things you don't have the parts for.

Oh so true. The corollary is that any spare part you get rid of will be the one you need next.

[SvLetitgo]

From PNW to Mexico you are not going far from quick access to part, we lost one of ours (variprop) was not a big deal to replace on the outise of the Baja

[robert sailor]

How many of you that have a spare prop also carry a spare nut??

[Bash]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

How many of you that have a spare prop also carry a spare nut??

I do. It's the first thing I do when I buy a new boat: swap the fixed prop for a folding prop, and stow the fixed prop in the bilge as a spare, with its nut wired in place.

I thought everyone did that.

[robert sailor]

I've run into lots of cruisers with spare props and no spare nut, fortunately its very rare to lose a prop.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

How many of you that have a spare prop also carry a spare nut??

Spare nut?

[sww914]

Not necessary at all unless it makes you feel a LOT better and you have the room and then it would be totally worth it.
I know a couple who have a spare liferaft, a spare epirb and 3 watermakers. That's what it took for her to be comfortable.

[robert sailor]

Pretty normal for cruisers to budget safety items equal to their fears. Some like the Pardy's operate on a minimal safety budget and others like your friend can't spend enough. Companies do very well constantly selling to your fears because it works very well.