Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

[Robertpel9]

I was an idiot and mistook a danger buoy for a no wake one. Wont make that mistake again. My the time i saw the depth finder said 3 ft it was too late.

It was only minor damage to the prop and did not induce vibration, handling, spped etc but i bought a new one online this morning anyway. I will swap it when it comes and have the old one as a spare.

I put the trailer in storage as i do not own a tow vehicle and live on the lake with a deeded boat slip so my boat is in my spot but not on a lift. Is there anyway to change the prop while the boat is in the water. When i trim it all the way up it is still partially submerged. It will be a PITA to get the trailer to the ramp to pull it out.

Please let me know if you can just change them in the water

Robert

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

dont drop anything.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

Turn the boat around so the stern is pointed toward shore if possible. This allows you to stand in back of the boat. If its a deep water mooring, you will need to work from the dock or off the back of the boat. Tie the prop wrench to your wrist. As you remove the hardware place it in a bucket and make your kids (and nosey adults) stay off the dock. Chain them to a post if necessary. Work carefully. If you are a "all thumbs" drape a large beach towel under the unit to catch anything you do drop. None of the stuff is magnetic so if you drop it, it's gone and a magnet won't retrieve it.

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

I'm far from being an expert, but have replace a few props on land, aside from being kinda awkward, I bet you could do it. Maybe do it on a sand bar or near shore so you could stand in the water and retrieve anything you did drop. Just my novice opinion.

CB

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

Silvertip beat me to it!

 

[QC]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

Really need to know what boat/engine/drive combo . . . I have done this more times than I'd like to admit, but I used to play in skinny stuff a lot. I could change my Alpha from the swimstep without getting wet, but I don't think I could on my Bravo setup. I have done a firends from the boarding ladder before, but you need some spare hands. Some drives are way under newer molded steps too, which makes this very difficult. I have also used the Silvertip method a lot.

Warning!! The thrust washer on many I/Os and OBs can "stick" to the prop when it is removed due to suction and adhesion caused by the grease. If it comes up with the prop as you pull it off the shaft it can easily be knocked loose and fall in the drink. Then you ain't goin' nowhere!!! I carry a spare for this reason. You can run in forward without a prop nut, you can't do anything without a thrust washer What I do is place my fingers around the propshaft below the prop as I slide it off to insure that nothing is there, and if it is that I have a good hold on it. Best thing is to make sure it stays on the shaft all of the way down on the end before you get the prop all of the way off.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

When i trim it all the way up it is still partially submerged.

Robert

Put weights in the bow, this will trim the boat and get the prop out of the water. You can really load it up since (at least I assume) you will be tied up in a slip.

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

i have done it in the pacific ocean
kind of scary when the tax man (great white) is around, LOL

 

[rascal38]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

Use a mesh drag-bag, tie it around the housing so if you drop any little parts they will stay in the bag.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

Changed a prop 250hp on a 26'WA boat twice in the water. Too far from land to beach it.
Small rope lanyard tied to tools and spare prop. Motor trimmed all the way up as I was laying on the side of the motor and had 2 other guys holding me by my belt so I could use my two hands to get the job done.
Not fun but it worked.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

I too have done it while in the water.
I rope tied a big old tractor tire inner tube under the stern and inflated it.
Raised the stern enough that the lower unit was clear outta the water.

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: Can you replace a prop with the boat in the water?

Not at all difficult, have changed prop several times in the water. Not because it was damaged, but from a lower pitch to a higher pitch or vice versa. I just jump in and have one of the crew hand me tools. This is usually done in the Ohio River or nearby lakes. Not at all difficult. LOL