Spun prop on the water. How to get out of that one?

[Newhook]

Hello,<br /><br />I did a little search on the forum on the subject of spun props. The consensus is that it is a good idea to carry an extra prop in case one hits an object and damages the prop or hub. I was out the other day and tried to imagine changing a prop on my '98 25 Mariner OB while out on the water. There are lots of ropes in the area of the bay that I go and entirely possible to tangle one's prop in a rope. The old motors that I am used to had a split ring or shear pin that would break if an obstacle was hit and there was no moving until it was fixed. A tow to shore by another boater was the fix. Thankfully have never had to do it. <br /><br />Have any of you made this repair at sea? I have never spun a prop. Is it fair to assume that they will still operate at low speed even after hitting an object? Is the rubber hub the only protection that the motor has? i.e Is there anything else that "gives"? <br /><br />I can imagine the "sinking" feeling I would have in trying to do this on the water and having the bolt or prop fall out of my hands while leaning over the stern. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[Beernutz]

Re: Spun prop on the water. How to get out of that one?

The rubber hub is the only safety valve, but if they're in good shape, they'll take a lot of abuse before spinning. It's not like a shear pin. One minor impact shouldn't do it.<br /><br />Tilt the motor, sit on the exhaust housing facing the prop, and have at it. Works for me, but as you mentioned, you gotta be sure-handed! Best to pick up a floating prop nut wrench. I've only had to do it once, but not for a spun hub. Picked up a small rope offshore, and it somehow got wedged way up between the prop and the foot housing while I was trolling. It was tight enough to stop the motor, but didn't damage the hub.<br /><br />You're right to carry a spare, but make sure you're familiar with all the parts involved. Some could fall out, i.e. thrust washer. I carry a spare thrust washer and two prop nuts. Don't trust my fingers.<br /><br />In my experience, prop hubs tend to fail over a period of time, not as a result of a single impact. Usually you can see wear marks on the thrust washer, if you have a slightly slipping hub. If you suspect that it's slipping, reduce power to avoid a complete failure, and check it out when you can get to it safely.

 

[Newhook]

Re: Spun prop on the water. How to get out of that one?

Thanks Beernutz for the quick reply and the advice.<br /><br />What does the thrust washer do? I gather that it is important to ensure that it goes on the right way but that is all I know. There is also a little stainless thing that goes on last before the bolt goes on. It is not obvious what it does.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Spun prop on the water. How to get out of that one?

It happened to me in 3ft seas…. Was not a fun fix! I had to jump in the water and hold on to the skeg with the motor just tilted out of the water. The life jacket I was wearing made me float up and down smoothly with the boat so it wasn’t the most difficult thing, but still not fun!

 

[Newhook]

Re: Spun prop on the water. How to get out of that one?

b.gagnon,<br /><br />I hope the water is warmer there than here. The good ole Labrador current causes our water to average 3 degrees Celsius. I'm told you only last 10 minutes in it. That's colder than cold.

 

[Beernutz]

Re: Spun prop on the water. How to get out of that one?

Thrust washer is directly ahead of the prop. It's about 1/4" thick and fits up against a taper in the prop shaft. It transfers the thrust from the prop to the shaft. Sometimes it comes off with the prop. Just make sure you don't put the prop back on without one. Your manual should show it.<br /><br />I'm a Johnson man myself, so not too familiar with Mariners. I presume they must have a similar configuration, though.