PROPELLER REMOVAL

[JACK]

I would like to remove my 2 blade propeller and replace it with a 3 blade. Am I correct: To remove the propeller I have to first remove cotterpin and the two lock nuts.Then do I have to knock out the the 'keyway' before I attempt to push the prop off? The propeller will not move as of right now.Thanks for the help.

 

[red coles]

puller

Hello Jack: I'm assuming your out of the water. Your on the right track, by removing the nuts. Now you need to soak the joint with a solvent ( I use "PB Blaster") the day before you do removal. then rent a prop puller (triangular shaped metal plates) or a large two arm gear puller. I think the latter would be best for a 2 bladed prop. You'll do great. Long live DIY. Good luck red

 

[Pete]

2 to 3 blade prop

Jack ,you will need a prop puller as the earlier post mentioned. What size 3 blade are you putting on? I have been thinking of this also and trying to find the best prop size. Thanks Pete

 

[JACK]

prop size

Can you hold on until this week? I'll be at the boat and I'll get the size for you.

 

[Dakota Keyway]

Leave Keyway

Prop pulls without having to pull deyway firstPulled my priop on my 340 after two years and replaced 2 blade maxi-prop. Liquid wrench also can be used to loose the prop If you tap the prop {not recommended} remember that you are transmitting that directly to the transmission. Hence keep any such taps light and lateral to the drive shaft and let the wheel puller do most of the work. Incidentally most any tool rental will have a puller for rent.If I had to do it again, I would replace with a 3 blade maxi as it will be smoother. However the 2 blade gives me great drive forward or backward and cost less. The maxi people will give you the correct size, though I changed the pitch to suit my boat.Also suggest you get the model that allows you to change pitch while in water. Much easier getting the correct pitch. Dakota Jim

 

[Frank Arndorfer]

3 blades are great.

I replaced the factory 2 blade with a maxprop 3 blade last year on my H340 and next to a batcar system for the mainsail, the maxprop was the best investment that I made.I replaced with a 16X13, pitch set at 22 degrees. Just follow the maxprop instructions to convert pitch to angle, and set the gears and hub accordingly. I've found that I've gained about .5kt in sailing speed, the 3GM Yanmar will push the boat to 7kts at 2800rpm and burn about 1/3 gal/hr. Boat speed stays steady even in heavy seas. But probably the biggest advantage is when manuvering in and out of a slip, when you shift into reverse and give it throttle, it stops RIGHT NOW.!!!! Almost pitched my sailing partner over the bow on the first stop.!!! Plus propwalk in reverse is eliminated. Big advantage of a feathering prop is you get about 80%-90% pitch in reverse.Old prop removal is pretty straightforward as mentioned. Remove kotter pin, nut, puller on the old prop and it should pop right off. I did have to remove about 1/2" of the prop shaft to get the maxprop hub to install. No big deal, cuts right off with a hacksaw.Reinstall with the same cotter key.3 blade folding is not inexpensive but was well worth it and for an entire season on Lake Michigan it never once gave me any problems. When hauled out a month ago, prop was still working fine.