[arleen2]

Oh, the title says it all........Late last night, we tied up at Angel Island (SF Bay)....The stern line got caught in the prop.....Short of diving in, we've tried everything.....The line won't budge.....Help! Any ideas????
Thanks in advance.....

 

[erps]

If you can get to the propeller shaft coupler, behind the transmission, you could try turning it from inside the boat and see if you can unwind some of the wraps.

I keep a snorkel and mask on the boat all the time for just this type of emergency.

 

[arleen2]

Thanks-- we tried turning from the inside already......Looks like it's time for the mask and snorkel.....

 

[Faster]

Did you keep some tension on the line as you turned the shaft? Not winch tension, but a steady pull as someone inside turns can help unwind things (if you're lucky!)

 

[erps]

You might also wire tie a sharp knife to a boat hook if it becomes necessary to start cutting line. Might keep you a little drier. Good luck.

 

[JohnRPollard]

Sometimes, you can put the transmission in gear and give small pulses on the starter. If you were in reverse when the line wrapped, then have the transmission in forward, and vice versa.

Make sure the engine kill switch remains engaged. You don't want to start the engine. You're just using the starter in short bursts to unwind the line while you pull on it.

 

[arleen2]

You guys are great!
Right now Steve has the knife attached to the boat hook and is making some progress.....We don't have the luxury of keeping the engine off -- because our kill switch is an electronic solenoid (and I'm sorry --- I don't have a clue what that means; unfortunately, I'm only the pink lady on board .....I think Steve's trying to loosen things up -- then go back to turning the shaft.....
If nothing else, this is a learning lesson for me! I offered to put on my mask and jump in -- but then I'd have to figure out where the prop was..........
Just kidding ---- I scraped and polished it when we had the boat out "on the hard"....

Again, thanks!
Arleen
s/v Ubuntu
KP 44

 

[Fstbttms]

If you decide you'd like a pro to come out and deal with it, here are some local divers to call:

Dave's Diving- 415.331.3612
Viking Divers- 415.331.4383
Bob's Bottom Service- 415.332.2627

 

[arleen2]

We're free! A combination of turning the shaft, cutting the line, and MY mask did the job......Thanks!

 

[adamtroyg]

I like John Pollard's idea. Try this in reverse if you fouled the prop in forward or vise versa. got that advice from friends at the marina after swimming under the boat to cut a sheet.

 

[Boatpride]

The easiest way to avoid that happening again is to have someone on the jetty to receive your stern line. If no one is about then come in close enough to let crew off. If you find the line in the water near the prop, then make sure to keep it away from the stern. Less line in the water - the better!