Changing prop while boat in water?

[QC]

Wouldn't that mean you would have to stay in forward gear the whole time. I would think that pulling back on the throttle abruptly or going in reverse would cause the prop to slide off?

Yes, you've got it, but depending on the situation, losing the prop in your home marina would be better than spending the night out in a storm bobbing around...

Ultimately, my point is: many of us carry a spare prop, and propnut, but without a thrust washer, those other things are worthless.

 

[oldjeep]

For fun try changing the prop on an inboard in the water. You'll need a mask and a good set of lungs - also the ability to remember not to swim back up into the wedge or the platform.

 

[poconojoe]

OK, changed the prop while in water. No problem what so ever! Very easy task. It's a 5700 acre lake, but on the south end is a river that is a no wake zone. I pulled up to a beach, raised the outdrive, got into the water and spun the boat around with stern toward beach. The prop was half way out of the water. Had all my tools on the swim deck ready to go. Had my block of wood to wedge between the old prop blade and outdrive and used a ratchet/socket to remove/replace the nut. The whole thing took maybe 10 minutes. I don't know what I was so worried about! I guess I didn't know how far out of the water the prop would be. I was only in thigh deep water! Plus the prop that I took off and the hub with all the fittings were brand new to this season which probably made it easier to remove.
Thanks to all for the suggestions and ideas. You guys are great!
Joe

 

[dingbat]

70-80 ft./pounds is not a lot of torque. A properly torqued prop nut will not strip a plastic wrench nor require a breaker bar to remove.

 

[Th3Krah]

Spun my prop in the middle of the South LA Atchafalaya Basin (15 Miles from anything) and was forced to do it while in the water. Gotta do what you gotta do but just make absolutely certain you don't drop anything.

 

[phillyg]

Yes, it can be done as long as you have the tools and don't drop any parts, and you have no fitment issues.

 

[Illinoid]

I am pretty sure I could loose the nut on a clean concrete floor...before I dropped and damaged the prop;-)