Reinstalling prop

[Steve]

I removed the 3 bladed prop from my Catalina 36 with the aid of a prop puller. When I went to reinstall it I found that it would not go back on easliy. I inserted the key into the grove in the shaft and then aligned the keyway in the prop with the key and pushed the prop onto the shaft.I hate trying to force anything so rather than pounding it back on with a block of wood and a hammer I would appreciate advice as to what is the correct method to seat the prop back onto the shaft.SteveCatalina 36 "Uptown Girl"

 

[Ed Conjura]

try heat/cold: Thermodynamics for sailors!

Try Icing down the shaft and heating the prop. A little light sanding won't hurt to remove any scale that may have built up. You will be amazed the difference it will make!I find the little refillable propane tourches that are about 5 inches long work great (Home Depot or any other like store will carry them).

 

[Kevin L. Woody]

Prop back on

Dear Steve:Thanks for your letter. You may simply need to just clean of the parts with a light wet and dry sanding in order to remove any calcium deposits which may be present. These black and white stains on the surfaces will cause the propeller, key and shaft taper to not fit correctly to each other. Cleaning off the scum will help you immensely. Hope it works.Sincerely, Kevin L. Woody