Defects and Damage
How does a bent propeller blade affect speed and fuel consumption?
A bent blade does more than cost speed: it produces unbalanced thrust, and that imbalance travels along the shaft line as vibration. The vibration tires the cutless bearing and the stern gland, which over time becomes a risk of water ingress.
Why it works this way
Propeller damage is therefore never assessed alone but together with shaft alignment and bearing clearance. Straightening the blade without checking what the vibration has already done leaves the expensive part of the problem in place.
Related services
Serkan Kotel · independent yacht surveyor · IIMS · ABYC · MCA
