So, I lost a propellor today.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Moontide

Seems lots of props fall off Saildrives. If you have folding or feathering props then you need to get the instructions from the manufacturer - they all have different methods for mounting (and hopefully securing) the props. Have never lost one, but have a friend who has lost 3 or 4 over the years, and they were installed by "pros" i.e. divers or a yard.



The fixed props that come with the Yanmar SD's are pretty straight forward and, as far as I know, not as prone to falling off.


Bill

I’ve seen a few myself, assumption is on a Cat.

If so as I’ve seen so many fall off, I think I’d order two props and replace the one on there now and keep it as a spare.
I assume they are the same and don’t counter rotate. I wouldn’t expect them to anyway, but don’t know.
If they do there goes the spare theory.

[DrDelmas]

When removing or installing a prop in the water I hang a 5 gallon bucket under the shaft to hold parts and catch anything that drops

[jmschmidt]

The obvious, WHO WORKED ON IT LAST?

[fursoc]

Thanks everyone. I decided to haul out to get a professional to take a look. The quote is $1800 for parts, which is just the 2 blade folding prop. Ouch!

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by fursoc

Thanks everyone. I decided to haul out to get a professional to take a look. The quote is $1800 for parts, which is just the 2 blade folding prop. Ouch!

Ouch indeed, by the time the haul out and the "professional's" fees are added then it will probably double.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by fursoc

Thanks everyone. I decided to haul out to get a professional to take a look. The quote is $1800 for parts, which is just the 2 blade folding prop. Ouch!

Unless you are into high performance, I would get a quote for fixed blade props.

[waterman46]

Is there some reason this type saildrive does not use a cotter pin with castellated nut and a hole in the shaft to secure the prop ? To rely on locktite for the prop nut is ridiculous IMHO.

Access to saildrive in calm water must be quite easy. Replacing a missing prop should be a DIY job.

[az_r2d1]

Originally Posted by GILow

I’d pull the other one and use it as a baseline for comparison. You’ll soon see what is missing and at the same time it is an opportunity to figure out if what caused the loss of the first prop might also happen to the other prop.

Edit: oh, I see wottie has the same idea.

Who worked on it last ? I'd take a good look at the prop that is still there. It's a matter of time before it's gone too.

[jragman8]

The same thing happened to me a few years ago on a Prout 45 twin screw. I had Volvo folding props that I had removed, serviced, and replaced. What I did wrong was on the port prop. I replaced the retaining ring backwards with the tab facing out instead of in. I happened to be in a small harbor in Nova Scotia when this happened and at the next port was able to send a diver back to the last port and he was actually able to retrieve the 3 blades, hub and all the nuts and washers. Saved me over $2000. With the tides as they are up there, I tied along side a wharf and at the next low tide, put it back on the right way. Somedays you get lucky.

[Buzzman]

Not sure if this is even relevant, but on twin-engined power boats, they often have contra-rotating props, to prevent some of the 'prop walk' you otherwise get.

Even multi-outboard engines can sometimes be configured this way, so you have to know to order one LH and one RH engine, which then counter-rotate at the gearbox.

Do cat builders fit 'contra-rotating' engines? Is this even a "thing"...???

Just curious, as I don't know....????!!??

[Rjt]

I lost my VP saildrive prop last year. The VP needed a spacer between it and the saildrive, I bought one and of course the original was still there. Then there’s the prop, a nut, a locking tab, unique washer and a bolt. The locking tab is bent over to lock the bolt on.
A diver, in Gladstone, quoted me ‘about $200’ to fit.
The prop came with everything except the spacer.
Mine was $2800.

[mikereed100]

Originally Posted by DrDelmas

When removing or installing a prop in the water I hang a 5 gallon bucket under the shaft to hold parts and catch anything that drops

Good tip. Another is to tie the prop to the boat before removing. They can be surprisingly heavy.