Changing prop in the middle of the lake

[TRAILN]

It was close but I was able to get to shore and remove it properly. Got me thinking. Any tips on how to change a prop (outboard) in the middle of the lake without going for a swim?

My 115 Merc is so far back when tilted up. Way out of arms reach.

 

[GA_Boater]

Only using another boat, I fear.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Unless you have gumby arms, you're going for a swim. I've done it before in the water, easy job with a life jacket on. Hard part is not dropping anything; wrench, nut, cotter pin, etc...

 

[82rude]

Been there ,done that!Needless to say its not a pretty site when a 230lb man is making love to a 90 evinrude in the middle of the lake,lol.

 

[TRAILN]

Lol.
I wonder if you can make some sort of rope harness to keep you from sliding down

 

[GA_Boater]

Been there ,done that!Needless to say its not a pretty site when a 230lb man is making love to a 90 evinrude in the middle of the lake,lol.

Now I'm going to have nightmares.

TRAILN - Why did you need to change the prop?

 

[fhhuber]

I've changed one without swimming... once. Basically hanging from the mid section of the outboard.

I don't recommend it. I was quite a bit lighter and more flexible at the time.

Average weight person would be putting stresses on the transom and outboard that they are not designed to handle and you could end up with the engine at the bottom of the lake while you take a swim.

**************

Normal reason to change the prop in the middle of the lake:
Hit a floating log and took a blade off. Fortunately had a spare (under-size but it got me to the ramp and back on the trailer)

 

[TRAILN]

TRAILN - Why did you need to change the prop?

Horrible tangle of line on the shaft.
Got me thinking what if there was a more catastrophic event. Like hitting an object. I've got all the spare parts required.
Thanks for the replies

 

[Scott06]

Put a life jacket on, tie a line to the wrench, and make sure the grease doesn't stick the thrust washer the the prop hub... Done that but in shallower water. Keep a spare hub kit and prop on the boat.

 

[SkiDad]

we have a spot in our lake that is 4' deep - i go there if i want to swap props. Just a thought

 

[bruceb58]

Once we were in the middle of the ocean and we had a blade come off. Must have hit a piece of wood or the blade got fatigued. Fortunately we had a dinghy.

 

[nanuk]

I like the idea of having extra drive supplies on hand. I often tie twine on tools I use to repair farm equipment, so I don't drop a wrench into a sump, or need to up/down on a ladder all the time.

as for water, I have often thought of what I would do. A life jacket, some pool noodles to keep me floating, and a nice wide camp bed mat to catch anything that falls???

 

[H20Rat]

Average weight person would be putting stresses on the transom and outboard that they are not designed to handle and you could end up with the engine at the bottom of the lake while you take a swim.

Not a problem for any decent size engine/boat. Standard test for a bad transom is to stand on the ventilation plate and see if it flexes. Leaning on the motor is less stressful than that test.

But... Unless it is a really big lake, I'd suggest a set of oars! Not to get back, but to get to the nearest piece of dry land. That is always my #1 option for changing a prop. (if you just hit something solid enough you either found a log or found shallow water, which means shore might be nearby anyway!)

In any case, I'm in the camp of grab a life jacket and swim if you have to. Leaning over the motor is dangerous for other reasons, and your chance of dropping something while working upside down go way up!