We've had many threads about the advantages and disadvantages of folding props. Putting aside those arguments, I have been pleasantly surprised to avoid any entanglements the last two years with lobster pots, using a folding prop. It seems that any possible entanglement quickly "pulls" itself off as the prop folds. Do users of folding props find that they're less susceptible to entanglements with lines and lobster pots? Or are you able to get just as entangled as ever? For those who have fixed props, do you rely on prop cutters of some sort? Anyone out there so concerned that they have BOTH a folding prop and a line cutter? Thanks for your thoughts. Paul
Preventing Entanglements - folding vs. fixed props
- Thread starter PHitchcox
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Hmmm...
I never thought of that. Seeing that I have managed to catch one pot per year for the last three years (I only had to dive once) that fact alone might make it worth while. A.
I never thought of that. Seeing that I have managed to catch one pot per year for the last three years (I only had to dive once) that fact alone might make it worth while. A.
The fifty Fathom line
for coastal work you may catch one a year, but make your depth over 300 ft and they are very rare. You still have to run the gauntlet when coming into a port at night, stay deep as long as possible, then keep an angle to the Alpha buoy. They tend to drop them off on a direct tangent leaving the Sea buoy, they don't want to go any further than they ahve to and a single bearing makes it easier to pick up lobster, crab etc pots. Spurs are the best, martek, or Max prop are the worst at least with a solid blade wheel you won't have gears, springs & gixmos coming out of the prop at an inpppertune time.
for coastal work you may catch one a year, but make your depth over 300 ft and they are very rare. You still have to run the gauntlet when coming into a port at night, stay deep as long as possible, then keep an angle to the Alpha buoy. They tend to drop them off on a direct tangent leaving the Sea buoy, they don't want to go any further than they ahve to and a single bearing makes it easier to pick up lobster, crab etc pots. Spurs are the best, martek, or Max prop are the worst at least with a solid blade wheel you won't have gears, springs & gixmos coming out of the prop at an inpppertune time.
Guess I'm missing something
I've been snagged twice in 20 years of sailing. Each time I stripped down and went off the stern with a sharp knife. A few minutes later I was aboard again and under way. I just can't understand what all the fear is about with cutting loose. True I haven't had to do it at night, but all that would mean is that I would have to strap a light to my forearm. What am I missing?
I've been snagged twice in 20 years of sailing. Each time I stripped down and went off the stern with a sharp knife. A few minutes later I was aboard again and under way. I just can't understand what all the fear is about with cutting loose. True I haven't had to do it at night, but all that would mean is that I would have to strap a light to my forearm. What am I missing?
Just missing a trip to Maine
No question the art of sailing around lobster pots is best experienced in Maine waters. Some harbors have them so thick you could probably walk across the water from one buoy to another (of course not, but they seem that thick). Add to that the awesome high temperature of 65 degrees and you have reason enough to try to avoid entanglements. I do agree that most entanglements are readily undone, either reversing the prop carefully or going over the side with a knife. Fifteen minutes later or so, your blood and temperature return to normal. Any other comments from folding-prop sailors?
No question the art of sailing around lobster pots is best experienced in Maine waters. Some harbors have them so thick you could probably walk across the water from one buoy to another (of course not, but they seem that thick). Add to that the awesome high temperature of 65 degrees and you have reason enough to try to avoid entanglements. I do agree that most entanglements are readily undone, either reversing the prop carefully or going over the side with a knife. Fifteen minutes later or so, your blood and temperature return to normal. Any other comments from folding-prop sailors?
Cheap wet suit
Though we are blessed with 70' or warmer water for 7 months or more it can still get pretty cold in the winter. At the high cost and maintenance concerns of a folding prop, I opted to stay with the fixed and buy a $100 used wetsuit for removing those pesky crab trap lines. And of course it's always winter when the water is rougher and you miss seeing one. It also does not help that only one out of 100 are bright orange like the law requires. Wish they would inforce that rule a little more and worry less about harrasing the shrimpers. At least some of them will help sometimes when you find that one shallow ridge.
Though we are blessed with 70' or warmer water for 7 months or more it can still get pretty cold in the winter. At the high cost and maintenance concerns of a folding prop, I opted to stay with the fixed and buy a $100 used wetsuit for removing those pesky crab trap lines. And of course it's always winter when the water is rougher and you miss seeing one. It also does not help that only one out of 100 are bright orange like the law requires. Wish they would inforce that rule a little more and worry less about harrasing the shrimpers. At least some of them will help sometimes when you find that one shallow ridge.
Pot Hell
Down East there are more fishermen and traps than ever before. Traps are tangled, sunk, some have toggles, some don't. It's a mess. On my boat it's not the prop that catches them but the rudder shaft (i guess the prop would to, I just haven't had that experiance yet). I'm going to put a vertical rod in front of the rudder and a line cutter on the shaft next year-Sorry for anyone losing traps, but going overboard in maine is a foolish idea esp. for a lobster trap.
Down East there are more fishermen and traps than ever before. Traps are tangled, sunk, some have toggles, some don't. It's a mess. On my boat it's not the prop that catches them but the rudder shaft (i guess the prop would to, I just haven't had that experiance yet). I'm going to put a vertical rod in front of the rudder and a line cutter on the shaft next year-Sorry for anyone losing traps, but going overboard in maine is a foolish idea esp. for a lobster trap.
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