Loss of Power
- Thread starter VelaFella
- Start date
Some friend or family member must have a GoPro or similar camera that you at least could have a sneak preview of the bottom.
A year in the water w/no monthly/bi-monthly hull cleaning service? Do you actually expect a dive inspection to find something other than prop fouling to account for the symptoms?
It does not take much marine growth to cause the propeller to lose thrust. Even a small build-up of acorn barnacles where the blades attach can have effect.
Only $90 (flat rate?) to haul & pressure wash, with time to inspect/clean in MD. I’d do this yearly if the shipyard near me offered it at that price, esp. if no SCUBA cleaning was permitted. Is that offered at the OP’s marina in MD? Just as a matter of principle that should precede an on-the-water seasonal shakedown. How do you normally service the bottom? How long can the boat normally sit idle without prop fouling? Diver rate-quotes usually depend on the time based on MONTHS since last cleaning.
It does not take much marine growth to cause the propeller to lose thrust. Even a small build-up of acorn barnacles where the blades attach can have effect.Only $90 (flat rate?) to haul & pressure wash, with time to inspect/clean in MD. I’d do this yearly if the shipyard near me offered it at that price, esp. if no SCUBA cleaning was permitted. Is that offered at the OP’s marina in MD? Just as a matter of principle that should precede an on-the-water seasonal shakedown. How do you normally service the bottom? How long can the boat normally sit idle without prop fouling? Diver rate-quotes usually depend on the time based on MONTHS since last cleaning.
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I live pretty close to my boat (about 15 to 20 minutes one way) and try to get to the boat in the summer at least once a week even if I can't go sailing to spin the prop when on the mooring to keep the prop from fouling too much. Seems to work. I still have the hull and prop cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks. @kappykaplan I am surprised you could even get to the haul out location. From the limited "clear" spot withot fouling on the hub it doesn't look like the maxprop (I think that is what it is) was even able to get to a position for full thrust! In our currents, I'd probably be unable to go against the current. The one time my prop was badly fouled, I could barely make 2 knots against the current and the engine temp was much higher than normal when I finally was able to get the 400 yards or so I had to travel to get to the dock .
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@smokey73 , it is indeed a MaxProp! I could make a whopping two knots forward under power. In reverse, it pretty much took a full circle to port from prop walk (crazy Ivan) to get enough sternway for the rudder to bite. Engine temp was normal throughout. I'm so happy to have a clean prop and shaft now.
You inquire about my expectations. Perhaps they are different from yours based on geography and my past experience.A year in the water w/no monthly/bi-monthly hull cleaning service? Do you actually expect a dive inspection to find something other than prop fouling to account for the symptoms?
Only $90 (flat rate?) to haul & pressure wash, with time to inspect/clean in MD. I’d do this yearly if the shipyard near me offered it at that price, esp. if no SCUBA cleaning was permitted. Is that offered at the OP’s marina in MD? Just as a matter of principle that should precede an on-the-water seasonal shakedown. How do you normally service the bottom? How long can the boat normally sit idle without prop fouling? Diver rate-quotes usually depend on the time based on MONTHS since last cleaning.
PROBLEM SOLVED. DIVER CLEANED BOTTOM 07/07/2020. QUICK TEST AFTER CLEANING PRODUCED 7.1 KTS AT 3,100 RPM.
