Fishing net tangled in prop

dwightgry · #1 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

Hasn't happened to me yet, thankfully! But I have read about this happening to many people, a net or line getting caught in their prop. I have a Pearson 323 with a skeg supported rudder, and have an idea that I would like feedbck on. The thought is to glass on a padeye or something similar to both the trailing edge of the keel and the leading edge of the skeg, and then fasten a light cable between the eyes. This would prevent (hopefully) the line or net from going up into the prop in some cases. A tangle could still happen from the sides, but the chance would be reduced as you motor over something.
Has anyone done this, or seen it done? Is there another thread about this I haven't found? One drawback would be that it would have to be removed before hauling the boat, or else maybe a sacrificial light line could be used that would break.

bubb2 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

As one how has had a line wrapped around a prop that cost a short hual, I think you have a great idea! My buddy has the same boat 323 I been under it. i can't think of a reason it would not work.

Fstbttms · #3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

Not worth the effort, IMHO.

1.- It would only provide limited protection. Anything floating above the guard could slide down the hull as the boat moved past and become entangled.

2.- The guard will be a wonderful place for fouling organisims to set up shop. Long, leafy vegetables and big communities of shelled animals do not enhance performance, whether under power or sail.

3.- The guard itself could break and become an entanglement.

If you are really so concerned about fouling a prop, maybe you should consider a shaft-mounted line cutter.

Freesail99 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

I have been thinking of picking up this PRODUCT.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

FS-

Probably not a bad idea...but it depends on where your prop and shaft are located. On some boats, they're so deep under the boat, it really wouldn't matter if you had that...

teshannon · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

Paul,
After getting caught on a crab pot last year I bought one of those knifes. It looks like it will work great but as SD pointed out you'll probably still need to go in the water. Even with the extension handle there is just no way to reach around the hull and down that deep.

Freesail99 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

The fact that I swim somewhat like a rock, would make that event interesting, to say the least. I also have a opening port on my transom, I will see if that can be used with a pole. I should be able to reach the prop, but you never know until you try.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

Free-

Make sure the swim ladder is down before you do anything else.

And look for fins breaking the surface...

Freesail99 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

Quote:

Free-

Make sure the swim ladder is down before you do anything else. And look for fins breaking the surface...

And wear my PFD I need a hull mounted swim ladder due to the davits and solar panels. ( make note to self, renew unlimited towing ) ....

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008

If you're diving to cut the rope... DON'T wear the PFD...

Swimming down with a PFD on is tough.