Replacing prop while in the water

[theredboat]

Anyone ever replaced a prop without taking the boat out? Is it possible?

Assuming you could rig a way to breath, it seems feasible to me. Just curious if anyone has tried it and what experiences they had.

[speciald]

I had a diver remove and reinstall a Maxprop while the boat was in the water without loosing any important parts.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by theredboat

Anyone ever replaced a prop without taking the boat out? Is it possible?

There are divers that specialize in that kind of work.

Originally Posted by speciald

I had a diver remove and reinstall a Maxprop while the boat was in the water without loosing any important parts.

... and there are plenty of important parts in a Max!!

[Gene T]

You don't say what kind of prop, but if it is a standard prop you can do it without an air supply. I've done it and I know quite a few others who have too. Just get a cheap puller and tie a line on all tools so you can retrieve them if you drop them.

Gene

[trantor12020]

Done it couple of times. Rig a 12V hi-pressure inflatable pump to a snorkle (with relief valve at mouth piece) dove under and remove prop with 2 & 3 pronge extractor (2 pronge for 2bladed prop and 3 for 3).

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by theredboat

Anyone ever replaced a prop without taking the boat out? Is it possible?

Is it possible? The real question is; why would you haul a boat to do it?

[kd3pc]

just because it can be done, does not mean that the average joe SHOULD do it.

If you have the scuba/breathing skills, the mechanical skills - go for it...

If you don't - call a diver with experience..

[Bene505]

Had a diver put our new prop on in MVI last year. Bending the little tabs that keep the nut on -- really that could only be done with scuba or air supply. No way could I do that and I'm an experience free diver.

Regards,
Brad

[oceanscapt]

I remember reading about doing this but can't find the article or link.

From what I remember, the idea was to do the change in as shallow and clear water as possible. The plan was to practice a few times using snorkel and mask and practice the moves several times.

When they were ready, 3 folks did the job. One watched for dropped pieces and collected the removed pieces, the second held the parts in proper order, and the third did the actual work. They were able to get the stern into a few feet of water with the bow kissing the sand at almost low tide. I think the idea was the to concentrate on on set of tasks, eyes fixed on the task.

Since this was a complete replacement, it might have been easier than replacing a blade or some small part. These guys pulled off a fixed pitch prop and replaced it with a feathering one. It went well but they had to adjust the pitch a couple of times.

No doubt it'll be easier with scuba or at least a regulator in your mouth but it can be done.