Line around my prop

[Dan Kaplan]

I'm embarrassed to admit this (but it was my first time), I had a line wrap around my prop last weekend. Just as we were dropping anchor, it wrapped around tight and caused the engine to stop. We got the line off, but I think the engine hasn't been sounding right since and I'm wondering if I bent the prop or something else. Or maybe I'm just listening too hard. Since of course, no one else has ever had this experience, no one will have any suggestions (kidding). Short of hauling the boat out to look at the prop, what else can I do.Could a fouled prop really get bent? Also, I'm concerned that some extra water might be getting in the bilge -- not a ton, but I'm wondering if it's related.



dankanchor@msn.com

[Steve A]

I'm embarrassed to admit this (but it was my first time), I had a line wrap around my prop last weekend. Just as we were dropping anchor, it wrapped around tight and caused the engine to stop. We got the line off, but I think the engine hasn't been sounding right since and I'm wondering if I bent the prop or something else. Or maybe I'm just listening too hard. Since of course, no one else has ever had this experience, no one will have any suggestions (kidding). Short of hauling the boat out to look at the prop, what else can I do.Could a fouled prop really get bent? Also, I'm concerned that some extra water might be getting in the bilge -- not a ton, but I'm wondering if it's related.

Dan, you're only allowed to wrap props on charter boats! The line could very well have warped the prop a bit or tweaked the shaft some.It usually takes gobs of torque to bend the shaft.I'd say the line would give before the shaft.It is definitely time to send someone (ahm) usually the captian over the side and have a looksee.If the line was pulled with some real hi revs you could have pulled the shaft to one side and water could enter via a sloppy cutlas bearing (hope not).As far as the engine not sounding right I think you might be listening a bit too hard,alot of other thing will usually have to break before you can actually damage the motor.At any rate you should definetly get a mask and have a nice swim....it will only take a few mins to find out.Running aground,wrapping props,boom with head are things we all do.....or are about to do...good luck...Steve s/v Southern Lee CD 36 #105

[Larry DeMers]

I would check the shaft & coupler alignment with a feeler gage..there is a decent description of the procedure in the CD boat manual. The water could be coming up through the cutlass into the stuffing box. If the engine bopped around a bit as it was torqued to a stop, it would be reasonable to assume that the shaft placed considerable pressure against one side of the packing gland, creating a path for the water to follow..and then into the boat's bilge. So take a peek at your drip rate at rest and then after a bit underway. Should be around 1/ 10 sec. in cooler water, and probably increased to
1/ 5 sec in warmer water (the reason for the dripping is to cool the shaft as it goes through your stuffing box).
You may be money ahead paying attention to your ears in regards to your engines operation. It certainly could be an overactive ear..or it could be real. The only way to get some peace of mind is to determine that your ear is oversensitive, do to the experience. Have it checked out There can be bearing damage at various load points in the power train, but these *are* heavy duty quality. So cross those fingers and check it out..at least that is what I would do.

Let us know what you find please.

Good Luck,

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~~Ducking Class I Inland Hurricanes on Lake Superior~~~

I'm embarrassed to admit this (but it was my first time), I had a line wrap around my prop last weekend. Just as we were dropping anchor, it wrapped around tight and caused the engine to stop. We got the line off, but I think the engine hasn't been sounding right since and I'm wondering if I bent the prop or something else. Or maybe I'm just listening too hard. Since of course, no one else has ever had this experience, no one will have any suggestions (kidding). Short of hauling the boat out to look at the prop, what else can I do.Could a fouled prop really get bent? Also, I'm concerned that some extra water might be getting in the bilge -- not a ton, but I'm wondering if it's related.

ldemers@win.bright.net

[Chris]

Dan - A wrapped prop is nothing to be embarrassed about. I actually know a CD owner (who frequests this page) who wrapped his prop, then the power boat who offered assistance wrapped his own prop which required a diver to free them.

I would also recommend you check the transmission to shaft coupling for stress fractures. It is a very heavy duty coupling but if it is partially cracked then it might let go at a very unfortunate time (docking). I also agree with the other posting which were made in response to your question.

I'm embarrassed to admit this (but it was my first time), I had a line wrap around my prop last weekend. Just as we were dropping anchor, it wrapped around tight and caused the engine to stop. We got the line off, but I think the engine hasn't been sounding right since and I'm wondering if I bent the prop or something else. Or maybe I'm just listening too hard. Since of course, no one else has ever had this experience, no one will have any suggestions (kidding). Short of hauling the boat out to look at the prop, what else can I do.Could a fouled prop really get bent? Also, I'm concerned that some extra water might be getting in the bilge -- not a ton, but I'm wondering if it's related.