Harmonic prop puller?

Jun 11, 2011
1,243
Hunter 41 Lewes
Lots of good feedback (but no clear consensus ). I appreciate all of the comments. Will probably invest in a C-clamp style puller. I have a 2 blade fixed prop on a bronze shaft. I will need to change out the strut bearing before I put her in the water in the spring. Trying to determine if I want to pull the shaft, or try something like the StrutPro to push put the bearing without pulling the shaft. I have an O'Day 322, and not sure if the shaft will clear the rudder (and I am not removing the rudder). Thanks again for all of the feedback. Greg
Greg, the prop puller that FastBottoms uses will work well in any situation for you. (Notice he taps it to get some vibration to "pop" the prop)
I have never seen a yard pull a shaft unless they have no other choice.
 

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
i know where there are two magnificent white ones....... beautiful beast they are :D
But will they fit-up to a harmonic prop puller without kicking you? :D
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,858
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Greg, the prop puller that FastBottoms uses will work well in any situation for you. (Notice he taps it to get some vibration to "pop" the prop) I have never seen a yard pull a shaft unless they have no other choice.
thanks. I can see the valve of giving the puller a little "whack" once there is a load on it to get it to pop off. Appreciate the advice.

Greg
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,722
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
thanks. I can see the valve of giving the puller a little "whack" once there is a load on it to get it to pop off. Appreciate the advice.

Greg
If you are under water this may be your only choice. On land I prefer not to risk brineling the bearings or race in the reversing gear.




If out of the water and the prop still won't "pop" simply heat the hub under load using a heat gun on high. In a minute or so the prop will simply "pop". Always leave the prop nut on-but-loose...

With a properly fitted prop to shaft interface I have not seen much luck with a harmonic puller after the boat has been in salt water... Most props however are poorly fit, not properly installed or torqued so harmonic pullers can work. I have one in a box somewhere and it was made by Buck Algonquin IIRC...

If you must use a harmonic puller de-couple the shaft from the gear and place a piece of dense closed cell foam, or neoprene rubber between the gear and flange....

The same yards that bang on harmonic pullers are the same yards who use slide hammers to remove shafts. Keep you distance from these yards, if you value your hard earned money!! ;)
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,858
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
If you are under water this may be your only choice. On land I prefer not to risk brineling the bearings or race in the reversing gear. If out of the water and the prop still won't "pop" simply heat the hub under load using a heat gun on high. In a minute or so the prop will simply "pop". Always leave the prop nut on-but-loose... With a properly fitted prop to shaft interface I have not seen much luck with a harmonic puller after the boat has been in salt water... Most props however are poorly fit, not properly installed or torqued so harmonic pullers can work. I have one in a box somewhere and it was made by Buck Algonquin IIRC... If you must use a harmonic puller de-couple the shaft from the gear and place a piece of dense closed cell foam, or neoprene rubber between the gear and flange.... The same yards that bang on harmonic pullers are the same yards who use slide hammers to remove shafts. Keep you distance from these yards, if you value your hard earned money!! ;)
Thanks Maine Sail. Appreciate the expert advice.

Greg