Mystery

[A-berger]

Have a question, how can an engine be engaged in reverse the prop shaft appear to be turning but the boat not moving. I've just cleaned the hull, the gear shifter seems ok, the forward works. Have a Kubota 3 cyl. with a ZF10M trans. with roughly 150 hrs. as well as new damper installed at same time. And yes the boat is tied to the dock, but not that tightly. Am suspecting the prop as it does have a tiny bit of material missing on 2 of the 3 fixed blade Campbell Sailor prop.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
Cheers, A-berger

[Astrid]

Might the prop be slipping on the shaft?

[Minggat]

Sounds to me like the key has sheered or is missing. In reverse it will be pulling itself aft and loose from the tapered shaft and slipping more easily than in forward. But slipping in forward just the same. Just not as noticeable I would think. In forward it would be pushing itself harder onto the taper. In fact, that is why it is tapered.

[Kiwi303]

From the lack of mention I guess it's not a folding prop? With folding props the water flow as they bite forces them open, but I could see the reverse folding them tighter.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, A-berger.

[SkiprJohn]

Fixed blade.

A-berger, Have you physically looked at the prop while the gear is engaged? Is your water clear enough to snorkel?

It very well could be a sheared key. A prop can back off the shaft if the nut holding it on has become loose so it is time to investigate.

kind regards,