Final answer:
Wooden propellers are cleaned with a mild detergent and water, then dried to prevent moisture damage. To prevent corrosion on metal parts, they can be replaced with bronze, the boat can be stored dry, or a sacrificial zinc electrode can be used on the propeller shaft.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cleaning wooden propellers generally involves removing surface grime, oils, and possible marine growth that can accumulate over time. The process should be gentle to avoid damaging the wood. For standard cleaning, a soft cloth and a mild detergent mixed with water can be used to wipe down the propeller.
After the cleaning solution has been applied, the propeller should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water and dried with a soft cloth to prevent moisture from soaking into the wood, which could lead to rot or mold.
In addition to regular cleaning, measures should be taken to prevent corrosion of the hardware associated with wooden propellers. Corrosion is a common issue for metal parts in marine environments. As mentioned in the provided reference, over time, iron screws can dissolve, leading to structural failure.
To combat this, options include rebuilding the boat with bronze screws, storing the boat in a dry place, or using a sacrificial electrode made of zinc on the propeller shaft. The sacrificial zinc piece acts as a sacrificial electrode, taking on the corrosion that would otherwise affect the iron screws. It is far less costly than other methods and can be easily replaced on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.