Prop damage.

[RECESS]

I bought a Catalina 27 and need to move it 42 miles. The Universal M18 engine runs great. The diver found the edge of the prop is damaged from what he thinks is corrosion. I have two options. Motor it with a chipped prop or tow it with my Key West that has a Yamaha 100.

What do you think?

 

[dlochner]

The prop definitely needs to be repaired or replaced.

It looks more like the prop hit some thing and not corrosion. Take it for a spin, if there isn't too much vibration and you can make a decent speed. I think it will be OK.

 

[RECESS]

The prop definitely needs to be repaired or replaced.

It looks more like the prop hit some thing and not corrosion. Take it for a spin, if there isn't too much vibration and you can make a decent speed. I think it will be OK.

We motored it and raised the sails for 3 hours locally (lack of wind when checking out a sailboat, go figure.) and there was no excessive vibration. Thanks.

 

[Foswick]

Then you are probably OK. If you plan to motor the entire 42 miles, you might consider replacing/repairing first (though you probablydon'thave to). If your plan is to mostly sail, you'll almost certainly be fine. Just look for cruising RPMs that minimize any vibration.

 

[marcham]

Are both blades like that or just one? If both, then probably ok, if it's just one, you could end up twisting the shaft (which can be repaired later...).

Just as an option, It takes about 20 minutes to change a prop in the water by a diver, usually costs about $200 in Canada.

That being said, 42 NM isn't very far, keep the RPMs low (2200 ish) Once you haul out at your home port, I'd suggest having a very good look at the cutlas bearing and even pulling the shaft to check if it's true.

Towing can be exhausting .... for the person steering the towed boat! I'd just run with it at low RPM or change the prop in the water before leaving.

 

[RECESS]

Both have the chipping. About the same.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Are both blades like that or just one? If both, then probably ok, if it's just one, you could end up twisting the shaft (which can be repaired later...).

Just as an option, It takes about 20 minutes to change a prop in the water by a diver, usually costs about $200 in Canada.

That being said, 42 NM isn't very far, keep the RPMs low (2200 ish) Once you haul out at your home port, I'd suggest having a very good look at the cutlas bearing and even pulling the shaft to check if it's true.

Towing can be exhausting .... for the person steering the towed boat! I'd just run with it at low RPM or change the prop in the water before leaving.

Definitely check the shaft for runout, and cutless for wear.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

It's no big thing to take it to a prop shop and they will tell you what it needs and how much.