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Old 09-06-2013, 22:47   #1
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Stuck folding prop?

I think I might have a stuck folding prop... My port side saildrive and engine don't seem to have the same amount of power as my starboard side. I took underwater videos (see link below) of the props after docking. I did this earlier and both times it seems like the port prop isn't fully open. Would this result in high rpm engine without power? If so, any advice on how to fix this? What causes a prop to only unfold partially?

See video of my props -

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

-Trevor
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Old 10-06-2013, 09:32   #2
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Re: Stuck folding prop?

Trevor, did you try to move the blades by hand? They look like Flex-O-Fold props, and the blades should move freely from fully folded to fully extended. Just looking at them when at rest does not mean much.

The range of motion can be limited by marine growth in the gears beneath the anode and cover plate. With some care about dropping bits one can disassemble those parts and clean the gears while the boat is in the water.

Cheers,

Jim
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Old 10-06-2013, 16:03   #3
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Re: Stuck folding prop?

Yes, get in the water and move them in and out by hand. Worst case is probably a barnacle or two jamming the mechanism. Break 'em out with a screw driver or a paint scraper. Likely not a problem at all when you apply power. The centrifugal force most likely opens it up.
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Old 27-06-2013, 12:45   #4
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Re: Stuck folding prop?

From an experienced marine engineer and delivery skipper;

It is unlikely to be marine growth unless its extreme build up even then a couple of gear shifts will clear this.
Most likely you have picked up a rope and bent a blade root.
Feather the blades fore-aft, do they all look the same? Even a small twist in the root will effect performance.
In reply to:
Would this result in high rpm engine without power?
Yes - if it does bent blade is most likely cause...
Hope this helps
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