Propeller Gone!

[jpian0923]

Backed out of the slip today and went to put it into forward and it kept going backwards!

Luckily I was headed towards an empty slip and disaster was avoided.

Dove under the boat after tying her back down and no prop!

So, Now what?!

Suggestions, opinions, Indigo?


The water depth at the marina is about 25 feet. I can't get that deep in snorkel gear.

Hire a diver?

A new adventure begins. And, of course, I'll be installing a prop while the boat is still in the water.

I'm looking forward to this actually.

I should add that It's a 1967 Islander 29. . . 7800lbs. And I don't know what prop was on there before it sunk to the bottom of the bay/marina.

Also, I was only getting 1400 rpm at WOT.

[Gordo]

Wow eager to hear how that happens and what you do.

For comparison, my marina is only 6 foot deep on a good day :-( but you're more likely to find your prop than I would be because there is another 3 feet of mud and near zero visability :-)

Good luck

[hanleyclifford]

If you were only able to get 1400 rpm out of that prop let it lie in the mud. Why not post your drive shaft size, direct or 2:1, and maybe some one on the forum would have a prop you could use?

[domenic]

Jpain, you may not need a diver. Most marinas are home to old time fishermen. If there is a coffee, bait shop at the marina...you will find them. Most of these guys have lost, and recovered ground gear. It might cost you a few six packs. If you know which way your prop was spinning, it could be thirty feet in that direction. A diver could cost more than a prop.

Here is the prop info for the A4;


Propeller rotation Right hand (clockwise facing the rear of the propeller)
Propeller shaft / coupling diameter Direct Drive: ¾ in, 7/8 in, 1 in
Reduction Drive: 1 in, 1 1/8 in

V Drive: 7/8 in, 1 in

Propeller Size
Note: propeller fitted must allow the engine to reach at least 1,800 rpm during hull speed / full throttle testing 2 Blade
Direct drive: 11 x 7, 12 x 6 (most common size), 12 x 7, 13 x 5
2:1 Reduction Drive: 12 x 11, 12 x 12, 13 x 10, 13 x 12, 15 x 8, 15 x 10
3 Blade (recommended for areas with severe currents, winds, tides)
Direct drive: 10 x 6, 10 x 7
2:1 Reduction Drive: 12 x 9, 12 x 10, 13 x 8, 13 x 9

Hope this helps...Domenic

[jpian0923]

Great help.

I might give a few marine shops around here a quick look for a prop tomorrow but I'm thinking that, to save time and stress, I'll just order the Indigo 3 blade, 10" x 7.4" that seems popular around here.

[67c&ccorv]

Go with an Indigo...make sure you have the right securing nut/combo/split pin on the shaft and enjoy your new found freedom to manuver at low speed.

[jpian0923]

"the right securing nut/combo/split pin" Does it come with this stuff or do I have to hunt it down?

[jpian0923]

I missed your reply Hanley. It's Direct drive, 7/8 shaft. And, I agree about letting it lie in the mud.

I mean, how long should a prop last anyway? And, 1400 RPM was pissing me off anyway. I don't know how old this one was either. ...or it's condition. Also, I had never seen it, nor did I ever see the bottom of my boat until today.

So, I'm looking forward to "Installing a prop" to my sailboat skill set.

[smosher]

Any Idea as to why the prop fell off ?

Steve

[jpian0923]

Neglect on my part I'm sure. Bottom had not been cleaned in a while.

There is alot of growth under there. Like I mentioned above I had never seen the bottom of my boat before.

If I had cleaned it regularly, or had it cleaned by someone, I'm sure prop inspections would have made this avoidable.

I guess I figured since I was taking it out almost everyday that growth couldn't be that bad. My fault.

[Dave Neptune]

Go 4 it!

Jim, if you are going to spend the money go for the Indigo~~it works on the A-4 (direct drives) no mater the boat. I have been on 27 footers with them and thet it works as well as on my 35. If you race the three blade "gift on ratings" can be beat with the Indigo.
You won't be disappointed.

Dave Neptune

[ILikeRust]

"the right securing nut/combo/split pin" Does it come with this stuff or do I have to hunt it down?

The prop comes with cotter pin, key and nuts. At least mine did.

There should be TWO securing nuts - a fat one and a skinny locking one. And a key, and a big fat cotter pin.

I also highly recommend reading this excellent "how-to" page.

[smosher]

I've used his web site before for reference, there's not another
site with his level of detail or knowledge

[edwardc]

JHere is the prop info for the A4;
...
V Drive: 7/8 in, 1 in
...

Domenic,

I have a 1977 Pearson 323 with a V-drive Atomic-4. It has a 1 1/8" shaft.
I thought this was unusual, and wondered if a previous owner had changed it, so I started a poll over at the P-323 website. Every single owner who replied also had a 1 1/8" shaft.

[jpian0923]

Just Ordered Indigo prop with nuts, key and pin. Will be here Friday.

Now I just have to figure out how I'm gonna get it on the shaft while still in the water. I can't hold my breath for long. Was thinking about breathing through a hose.