Pulling a prop

[frustratedboater]

I'd like to pull my prop for my 85' Mastercraft boat. Does anyone know, other than buying a puller, the most 'economical' way in pulling my prop off? What will a marina charge for the job? Thanks,

~FB~

 

[Randybeall]

Re: Pulling a prop

I'd like to pull my prop for my 85' Mastercraft boat. Does anyone know, other than buying a puller, the most 'economical' way in pulling my prop off? What will a marina charge for the job? Thanks,

~FB~

Removing the prop is usually no problem. What kind of engine/drive do you have. Is it a single nut in the middle, as most are. Just remove the cottor pin, unscrew the nut and remove the prop by pulling straight back. Tell us what you have and if there are further problems and someone will likely have a way to solve any problem.

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: Pulling a prop

I have an 85' Mastercraft American Skier that has a direct drive shaft. I believe it has a 1 1/4" shaft, one prop, looks like a keyway, and compression nut. I removed the nut and tried to pull the prop, but it like frozen on there. It looks like it hasn't been removed in quite a while. I even tried to tap it with a punch and hammer, but started to make some marks on the hub, so I stopped.. Any tricks?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Pulling a prop

The prop hub and shaft have matching taper which can hold quite tightly.

Many shops use a heavy steel horseshoe style bar that they slip over the shaft on the front side of the prop, bolt a puller to, press on the end of the shaft to 'push' the prop from the front side. Some hold so tight that heating of the hub speeds removal.

At home, possibly try fitting a large (18" crescent) wrench spanning the shaft against the front of the hub, smartly smack it with a BFH (Hammer) Gloves may lessen the sting to the hand holding the wrench. Hopefully the wrench will spread the shock and pressure of the hammer blow to both sides of the hub and get it to release.

When installing a NEW prop, ink the inside of the hub taper with a felt pen, install the prop then remove it and look at the contact pattern in the ink. Ideally you want 90% or better, lightly hone/polish the heavier contact points with fine emery, re-ink and retest until satisfied that it is very well contacting.

If you think this is a lot of work, try it with an 8 foot prop, or larger.

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: Pulling a prop

thanks for the tip on removal... I didn't realize there was so much to it, but it makes sense with the marking pen. I guess if the contact is less than 90% it will put more 'hard pressure' on the hub, and that would explain the sticking to the shaft. Thanks for schooling me!! I hope it works,

~FB~