Fouled Prop or Something Else?

[Howler]

When I started up the motor (Yanmar 27) after sailing, the boat shuddered and there was minimum propulsion. Assuming the propeller was fouled with weeds or something, I reversed the direction. The problem eventually subsided.I assume the prop was fouled but since it happened twice recently, thought I'd ask if anybody has experience suggesting something else is wrong. Visual inspection of the shaft/stuffing box didn't reveal anything more serious.

 

[Scotty76]

Many times

I have encountered this problem several times myself. We have a shallow docking area on the island here in Toronto and the weeds are very abundant. I once noticed the diesel working so hard that it was blowing black smoke and we were moving nowhere quickly. A quick reverse has always solved the problem for me. I have a 380 with Yanmar 40 and a 3 bladed Vari-prop.

 

[JOE NEWMAN]

Get Wet

If you have a bad vibration it could also be the bearing has gone bad on the strut that your shaft runs through. But if reversing solves your problem, then it may very well be your prop or shaft is fouled. Get a mask and go swimming and look. While your down there, grab the shaft and shake it as hard as you can, if it moves your bearing is going bad.