Removing prop; job for professional?

[Jared1048]

Boats still in water and I am a certified diver. I just had the prop shaft replaced last year so I dont think it will be too hardened on there but I dont know what I'm doing.

I'd get a puller from a friend or rent one from shop. Whats the difficulty in doing this myself?

Thanks!
-Jared

 

[gpdno]

I think the biggest issue for me is dropping little things into the muck while I'm fumbling around with dive gloves on. I've thought about rigging up a fine mesh net to catch things 'cause it sucks to drop that nut or cotter pin and watch it slip off into the abyss.

 

[Jared1048]

I think the biggest issue for me is dropping little things into the muck while I'm fumbling around with dive gloves on. I've thought about rigging up a fine mesh net to catch things 'cause it sucks to drop that nut or cotter pin and watch it slip off into the abyss.

Im in a drysuit so i'm warm enough to not have to wear gloves but its a good point.

 

[Ken13559]

Im in a drysuit so i'm warm enough to not have to wear gloves but its a good point.

I have a small netting pouch on my waist for holding nuts and clotter pin and pliers so they won't go in the muck when changing prop. Extractor and spanner must be secured with cord as they don't usually float.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

In his heroic sail round the world to win the first Golden Globe race in 1968-1969, Robin Knox-Johnson had to heave-to and go over the side frequently to recaulk seams in his Indian-made all-teak Suhaili. He fitted lanyards on his hammer and caulking iron and was able to 'drop' them at any time and retrieve them (provided they did not swing into his head with the current-- bonk). I think it's a good idea to put lanyards on all the miscellaneous gear-- binoculars, camcorder, phone, pretty much anything but a winch handle-- especially if you're by yourself (and if you're poor).

I think the idea of rigging a fine net under your work is excellent and shouldn't be too hard. Really any large-enough basket lined with screen or a bedsheet (light color-- able to see what falls into it) would do. Possibly the most awkward part will be getting enough lube on the prop and nuts to ease their coming apart-- the way you would do on dry land. But maybe the water will help!

Good luck with this; and do let us know how you make out.