Running Gear Cleaning in Miami
Your hull gets the attention, but the performance problems usually start below it. Fouled propellers, barnacle-encrusted shafts, and algae-covered rudders create drag, vibration, and mechanical stress that rob you of speed and burn extra fuel on every run. Leave it long enough and the damage compounds: shaft seal wear, bearing play, and out-of-balance props that lead to repairs running into the thousands.
Aqua Pro Yacht Maintenance cleans your complete running gear underwater, right at your dock in Miami-Dade and Broward. Our certified divers remove marine growth from every component below the waterline — no haul-out, no yard fees, no pulling your boat. You pay after the work is done.
Why Fouled Running Gear Costs You
A propeller is engineered to move water with precision. Even a thin layer of slime or a scatter of small barnacles changes the blade geometry, and the prop has to work harder for the same thrust. The result shows up three ways: lower top speed, higher fuel burn at cruise, and vibration that travels through the shaft into the running gear and hull. In Miami’s warm, nutrient-rich water, a clean prop can foul again in a matter of weeks during peak season — which is why running gear needs attention on a regular schedule, not just once a year.
What Running Gear Cleaning Covers
- Propeller blades — all surfaces, leading and trailing edges, restored to a clean working face
- Propeller hub and barrel — growth removed from the full assembly
- Drive shaft — full length, including the section behind the strut where fouling hides
- Strut and cutlass bearing housing — cleaned and visually checked for wear
- Rudder — both faces, leading edge, and blade tip
- Trim tabs and actuators — cleared of growth that jams movement
- Zinc anodes — inspected on every running gear component and flagged if worn
- Photo report — before and after images of each component, delivered to your phone
How It Works
- Book your service — call, text, or WhatsApp us and we come to your marina anywhere in Miami-Dade or Broward.
- Our diver cleans every component — using the right tool for each surface so nothing gets scored or damaged.
- You get a photo report — every component before and after, plus notes on anything that needs attention, like a worn zinc or a damaged blade.
- You pay after the work is done — no deposit, no surprises.
How Often Should Running Gear Be Cleaned?
For most boats kept in the water in South Florida, every four to eight weeks keeps running gear clean and performing. Boats that run often stay cleaner between visits; boats that sit at the dock foul faster. The simplest approach is to clean the running gear on the same schedule as your hull — most owners book both together so the whole underbody stays in shape.
Running Gear Cleaning + Hull Cleaning
Running gear cleaning works best as part of a full bottom service. When we clean your hull, we address the running gear at the same time — a spotless hull with fouled props still costs you in fuel and speed. Bundling the two means one dive, one trip, and a boat that performs the way it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my running gear needs cleaning?
If your boat is slower than it used to be, burns more fuel at cruise, or has developed a vibration you didn’t notice before, fouled running gear is a likely cause. The only way to be sure is to have a diver look — we give you an honest assessment with photos, not a sales pitch.
Can you clean running gear on twin-engine vessels?
Yes. We handle single, twin, and triple configurations. Let us know your drive setup when you book so we bring the right tools.
Do you service outboard motors?
We clean around outboard lower units — the shaft housing, skeg, and cavitation plate — and inspect and note any exterior concerns we find.
Will cleaning damage my propeller or shaft?
No. Our divers match the tool to the surface and the growth, so we remove fouling without scratching the metal or stripping protective coatings. That is the advantage of using technicians who clean running gear every day rather than a general handyman.
Book Your Running Gear Service in Miami
Get your full drivetrain clean and performing right. Aqua Pro comes to your dock anywhere in Miami-Dade and Broward — no haul-out required, pay after service.
