Propeller Shaft Line Cutter

[Mark Mowery]

I want to protect my boat and my own safety in the case where I run over a crab trap line and entangle my prop in bad weather. So, I think the solution is to install a line cutter.There appears to be two different types: the more common pair of curved hooks and the less common circular blade type. Any suggestion/problems?Should I try to install it myself or have the dealer install it?Thanks, Mark Mowery

 

[Don Alexander]

ALSO

Mark,I fitted a "Stripper" made in UK, but after 1 season, found corrosion on the shaft under the unit. This could occur with any of the 3 makes available due to the exclusion of oxygenated water between the fitting and the shaft.More importantly I also carry one of those tree lopping gadgets which are a hook which fits over the end of a pole. I have adapted my extending boathook handle to accept the gadget.I expect you know the things, they work using a pull cord.The idea is to hook it on to the offending line and sever it by pulling the string. It might not work but it takes little space in the locker and sure gives lots of assurance.Regards,Don.PS I have even heard of a charter company equipping its fleet with hacksaws tied to broomsticks but I do not see how the user could hold the saw in the same place for several strokes.

 

[Tim]

Fisherman?

Personally, I've gone to some trouble to not cut any trap lines. In the New England area, lobster trap floats usually have quite a few traps attached and represent a sizeable investment for someone. I've only gotten stuck where I couldn't back off once.Of course, there are the idjits who are dropping their traps in the fairway to the marina less than 50 ft from the slips...

 

[Mark Mowery]

Line Cutter is a Safety Item

I agree that I respect the waterman's right to earn a living, but I am interested in the line cutter purely as a safety item. I had a cruise during labor day on the Chesapeake Bay where we decided to go back to port early in order to beat the worst of a hurricane. On the way back, I had 40+ knots of wind and visibility that sometimes diminished to less than 50 yards. The boat handled it well and with the GPS we felt comfortable with our location. I realized then that the one thing that would turn the situation into something really dangerous would be if I wrapped a crab pot around the prop. The thought of jumping overboard to untangle in a 6 foot chop was just too dangerous.

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

Crab Trap or Boat Trap

I would hope to hear a real discussion on this issue.....I do MY best to avoid running over the crab bouy so as to protect the waterman's effort to earn an honest living and to protect my right to enjoy the water. Unfortunately in the waterman's effort to trap the last crab in the water there zillions of crab pots. Is there a way?It is the same problem with the interstate----18 wheelers and the family auto------there must be a way for both to exist and enjoy their right....

 

[Pete Burger]

Line cutters

Mark, at the boat shows, the cutters being demonstrated cleanly cut the lines. But in the real world, at least down here in Florida with crab traps, the lines quite often are so caked with barnacles, that the cutters absolutely don't work and the line still fouls the prop shaft. Although we work religiously to avoid the traps, we did get caught, and were unable to cut the line. Had to dive under and unwind. Tried the hacksaw blade and that also didn't work, but a bolt cutter may have.Good luckPeteKAILANI