If the prop is damaged and not just fouled, the diver documents it with underwater photos and a written report on the spot, so you have what you need for insurance or a mechanic without a second trip out. Barnacle King treats damage assessment as part of every prop pulling call, not an upsell.
How to Tell the Difference Underwater
A fouled prop is wrapped in line, netting, or debris that’s physically stopping it from turning cleanly. Damage is different: bent blades, chips, cracks, or a prop that’s been forced out of balance from hitting something solid before it ever picked up debris.
Sometimes the two happen together. A line wraps tightly enough to bend a blade under load, or a partially fouled prop strikes something on the bottom while the boat is still trying to move. The diver’s job is to identify exactly what’s fouling and what’s damaged before touching anything.
Why Documentation Happens Immediately
Waiting to document damage after a haul-out means losing the exact condition the prop was in when it failed. Underwater photos taken at the moment of discovery are more useful for a claim or a mechanic’s diagnosis than photos taken later, once the boat’s been moved and conditions have changed.
The Insurance Information Institute points to clear, timestamped documentation as one of the biggest factors in how smoothly a claim moves, particularly for damage that happened on the water and can’t be re-created for an adjuster later.
When a Haul-Out Becomes Necessary
Some damage can’t be fixed in the water. A significantly bent blade, a cracked hub, or shaft damage usually means the boat needs to come out for a proper repair or replacement. In those cases, the written report becomes the bridge between the in-water diagnosis and whatever yard or mechanic handles the fix.
Even when a haul-out is required, having a certified diver document the damage first means you’re not starting the insurance or repair process from zero. You already have the photos, the report, and a clear account of what was found and when.
What This Means for You
Don’t assume a stuck prop is a simple fouling until someone’s actually looked at it. Call Barnacle King for the diagnosis first, and you’ll know within one visit whether you’re looking at a quick clear or a bigger repair, with the paperwork to back it up either way.