MaxProp Zinc replacement

[ereiss]

Has anyone successfully replaced the zinc on the end of a classic maxprop while the boat is in the water without benefit of scuba? The diver I've engaged to do it is having a hard time figuring out the six hole/3 hole issue. I have a mask, fins and weight.

Any things you learned when you did it that I could benefit from?

Thank you, in advance, for sharing your experiences.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by ereiss

Has anyone successfully replaced the zinc on the end of a classic maxprop while the boat is in the water without benefit of scuba? The diver I've engaged to do it is having a hard time figuring out the six hole/3 hole issue. I have a mask, fins and weight.

Any things you learned when you did it that I could benefit from?

Thank you, in advance, for sharing your experiences.

The diver you are using must be slightly retarded. It ain't rocket science. But trying to do it holding your breath would be something of a challenge. I install Max Prop zincs all the time and I wouldn't want to try to do it without air.

If you are going to to do it that way, be sure you have the correct shape zinc (the round "universal" zinc is the safe bet) and the correct screws, as there are two different sizes used, depending on the age of the prop. Also, I have found in some aftermarket Max Prop zincs, all of the screw holes will accept either size screw but the pattern is slightly different, so only three of the holes will match the holes on the prop spinner cap. In any event, have extra screws available, as they are easily dropped. Good luck.

[donradclife]

Its a five minute job--easy as replacing shaft zincs. I take out one screw per breath, use screwdriver to pry off old zinc and clean up the prop surface, take new one down with one screw and get it started, then its easy from there. Never dropped a screw because they are an odd size, so I'm careful. I tighten them really tight, because I can't use loctite underwater.

[ereiss]

Fast, I think you are right. Today I color coded the sets of 3 screw holes on the universal 63 mm zinc. Told him try the black set and if he couldn't get them to fit try the other 3. I know it's the right zinc, that is what the old one read inside. He's going to try again.

If he can't do it, well Don, I'm going to start hyperventilating and get it done. Figure I will tape the first screw to the hex wrench which will be tied to my wrist. The old zinc is off, just need to get the new one screwed in.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by ereiss

If he can't do it, well Don, I'm going to start hyperventilating and get it done. Figure I will tape the first screw to the hex wrench which will be tied to my wrist. The old zinc is off, just need to get the new one screwed in.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

Here's a video I made earlier this year. At about 6:50 in, you can see me doing a Max Prop zinc installation:

Forum Version Hull Cleaning Hunter 41 Part 2 1.6.11.MP4 - YouTube