Changing Props

[steam_mill]

I've only been boating for 4 seasons and now own two boats. A tin fisher and an outboard runabout with a Merc (2003) 90 Hp.<br /><br />I have yet to ding a prop in 4 seasons boating on a large river. I probably run 50 hours per season easily on both boats.<br /><br />So my question for my runababout is if I carry a spare prop (I have a 17" for skiing) on board, how do I change it when out on the water?<br /><br />The reason I have not carried one has been that I could not figure out a way to change it when out on the water. When I change to the ski prop (rarely) I usually just turn the boat around at the dock and change it.<br /><br />If I'm out on the water and I damage the prop, I could see falling in, losing prop, nut hub etc. before I got the thing changed.<br /><br />I can't even reach the prop with enough torque to pull the nut off.<br /><br />Insights?<br /><br />I'll carry one if someone can explain how you change it!<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe

 

[DJ]

Re: Changing Props

You have to beach the boat. I've changed them while swimming with two PFD's on (for flotation) but that is not always an option. Cold water, alligators, etc.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Changing Props

This is what I kind of always thought. Where I do my boating, Trent River, Ontario, unless I were to stop at a local cottage, most areas are rocky/stumpy etc. Not particularly condusive to beaching the boat.<br /><br />Just out of curiosity. I go down once a year to Lake Ontario to fish. Although highly imporbably, I'm sure you can strike something while on the water such as floating debris. I'm assuming you just limp back and hope you don't do any damage to the prop shaft.<br /><br />So far my decision is not to bother to ever carry a spare prop.<br /><br />Any others for comment?<br /><br />Joe

 

[vetstudent]

Re: Changing Props

Since you've got one you might as well carry it. It can't take up that much room! I can't answer your question on how to change it though. <br /><br />That's kinda like not having a fire extinguisher in the house because you don't know how to use it. I'll bet if put in the situation you can figure it out!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Changing Props

I can imagine how I would attempt it if I had enough flotation. Why don't you do the same and give it a try? I would tie a safety line to both props and make sure I had a helper on board. If you do let us know the results.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Changing Props

vetstudent,<br /><br />I kinda disagree with your logic. I always know where my fire extinguishers are and how to use them. I don't carry the prop because I think it would be useless to carry because I couldn't change it anyway. By not having it, I'm ensuring I don't even try!<br /><br />Another thing is that if you have to be in the water to change it, best case scenario where I boat is I could maybe change the prop July and August. I would probably get hypothermic (and make errors and drop the dang prop in the water) any other time.<br /><br />Of all safety issues in boating, this one is probably the least of my worries. I'm usually less than 15 miles from home on the water and always less than a mile to someone else's home. <br /><br />If I got really stuck, I could always go to someone's dock and call for help.<br /><br />Conclusion: There is no way to change a prop while in the water!<br /><br />Joe

 

[vetstudent]

Re: Changing Props

If I got really stuck, I could always go to someone's dock and call for help.<br /><br />Conclusion: There is no way to change a prop while in the water!

Sorry you disagree... would changing it from a dock be the same as on the water? Couldn't you just go to someone's dock and change the prop.<br /><br />

most areas are rocky/stumpy etc. Not particularly condusive to beaching the boat.

Since it's "most", I'm assuming some of it IS condusive to beaching the boat.<br /><br />Do whatever "floats yer boat"

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Changing Props

hello<br /> while we are talking about spare props and fier extinguishers. most people dont know how to use or change either one.<br /> on the prop issue. if you feel more comfortable with a spare and the tools and hardware to change it I would reccomed practicing several times in calme warm water. make sure you can handle it. the practice with some drunken buddies bouncing the boat as hard as they can, ask them to really make it shake. <br /> then you will get an idea of your limitations before bailing over board<br />sometimes a VHF or cell phone and a tow boat us or seatow card is worth more than a spare prop.<br /> sonme of the lakes we fished in maine when I was stationed near bath were dang near glaciers that had forgot to freeze, aint no way I would try to change a prop in them .<br /> so my advice is to practice before you have the emergency to see if you can do it when there is one. that goes for fire extinguires as well