The faster you try to go, the worse the vibration is. You might also notice the engine racing, while the boat loses speed. Solution: Something's likely gone wrong with the prop. A nick or gouged blade can create imbalance and vibration; a towrope or fishing line can snarl the shaft; a direct hit on an object could remove or misshape enough metal to make the prop ineffective. Sometimes a seemingly good prop might have enough unseen distortion or damage to cause cavitation and

It's "Maintenance Monday" and today we're talking about your boat's propeller(s). If you have an outboard or stern drive boat you should always visually check the propeller as part of your pre-trip routine. Use a deep well socket to remove the propeller several times during the season to make sure discarded fishing line hasn't become wrapped around the propeller shaft. If it has, have your boat maintenance person inspect the gear case because fishing line can cause gear case