I learned this lesson the hard way — clipping a hidden rock and chewing up my prop. Being stranded miles from the ramp wasn’t fun.
Since then, I always carry a spare propeller and a basic prop wrench. It takes me 10 minutes to swap, and I’m back on the water.
Props are relatively cheap, but peace of mind is priceless. If you boat in shallow or rocky areas, a spare prop is a must.