Prop nuts came loose fort Myers

[Docs Holiday]

We had props tuned in Fort Myers and a diver they recommended take them off and put them on. Next day we go on the outside to Venice and there is a definite vibration. Check the bottom...the props look ok...no hits but the locking nut on port side is loose and both nuts on starboard side loose...ie can be turned by hand. The diver is contacted says we must have picked up a crab line and spun it off when we reversed gears docking which caused the vibration and refuses to come and tighten up nuts. He says he finds loose nuts all the time and he wouldn't do anything different if he did come up. Also says nuts won't fall off because of cotter key and this shouldn't cause any vibration since props pushing forward on the boat. I think this is BS but we are en route to port st. Joe and have only a couple of days of weather break to make a crossing from Clearwater. Any suggestions?

 

[MikeP]

Sounds like a diver NOT to ever use again....

I've taken several crab pot lines and they never managed to loosen a prop. I guess it can happen though the idea that it would happen on both props at the same time seems a bit unlikely.

When you checked them, was that with diving gear or just holding your breath? If you have the diving gear, all it takes to tighten them is the right socket and a breaker bar (and pliers for the cotter pin)... But that job would be a PITA to do while holding your breath.

I assume there would be a diver in Venice that could do the work ?? As far as the other diver and the money you spent, I can't see any way to recover that if he is adamant that he won't refund the money/retighten the nuts.

I certainly wouldn't set out on a run with the thought that the props pushing forward will ensure they stay in place on the tapered shaft. They will PROBABLY stay in place going forward under power but in reverse they could spin off, taking the nuts/cotter pins with them.

 

[madhatter1]

If you are staying anywhere near Clearwater call my diver. He has been excellent. Name is John and number is 727-359-5574. He travels sometimes but if around he will get you taken care of.

 

[34Hatt]

No matter how big his wrench was if it was riding on the key way that is what will happen.

If you want to make sure its correct haul that diver should be tarred and feathered total B.S a rope made come lose.
LOL

 

[rsmith]

I've done it myself,but changing props underwater is a dicey deal. Your struggling with this big heavy bastard in limited visibility,no good way to get a proper leverage or hold on the wrench. Best to be an emergency only operation. There are pages and pages on here about proper prop to shaft mounting, do you think a diver underwater can even come close to a proper mounting that won't result in a cracked hub or shaft???

 

[Colwyn D]

Regardless of how it happened I wouldn't set out in the knowledge they are loose. I did once find the prop nuts loose after a six week cruise, props were put on just before we left, and then had a hell of a job getting the prop off with the puller. It had been lapped on and was absolutely solid on the shaft. I can only guess the nuts had been loose for plenty of miles.
It may be you have the same scenario and a quick tighten would see you out. Surely a local yard can recommend someone.
Agree diver should be flogged.

 

[Colwyn D]

"do you think a diver underwater can even come close to a proper mounting that won't result in a cracked hub or shaft???"

Of course they can. But not some half ar''' local with a set of shifters.

 

[Docs Holiday]

Follow up. I had a quick hall and the nuts were 1/8 inch from the propellor . All secured now. We are heading to Clearwater and hope the good weather holds for a crossing to Carabelle tomorrow. I have informed the prop shop of the divers poor customer service and will be informing Fort Myers City Basin Marina as well.....the vibration was probably not the props. It appears that new cutlass bearings are in my future.

 

[doc g]

You can indeed swap out props underwater and do a good job , PROVIDING they have been properly lapped to the shafts on land before . The bigger the wheel the tougher it is . Leverage is not a problem- upside down with feet on either side of the wheel with a breaker bar , done it a lot of times ......Pat

 

[dsharp]

I've done it myself,but changing props underwater is a dicey deal. Your struggling with this big heavy bastard in limited visibility,no good way to get a proper leverage or hold on the wrench. Best to be an emergency only operation. There are pages and pages on here about proper prop to shaft mounting, do you think a diver underwater can even come close to a proper mounting that won't result in a cracked hub or shaft???

X 2. Trying to save money on a haulout is a crapshoot.

 

[rwappleton]

We would like to hear about the Clearwater-Carabelle trip. We are headed the other way in a week or so.

PM if you wish. When we came over did Crystal river Carabelle.

Thanks,

Russ

 

[Docs Holiday]

We have brought the boat down from Maine. Going to port st joe, our new home. I haven't posted on trip since most of this site is technical but we wrote a blog ( and subsequent book) when we took the boat from Galveston to Maine and did continue blog up until this point. Google Doc's Holiday Coming Home. Or go to
Www.cruisingwithdoc.blogspot.com
This was meant for mainly our family to follow and laugh about our learning experience but there are lots of pics and laughs ...see 2012 Gulfport Mississippi and scary parts...see Delaware bay a near death experience!

 

[Docs Holiday]

If you are going icw through port st . Joe we should be there in about a week or we will be in Carabelle. Either way stop for cocktails. I will pm you my ph. No.

 

[34Hatt]

We have brought the boat down from Maine. Going to port st joe, our new home. I haven't posted on trip since most of this site is technical but we wrote a blog ( and subsequent book) when we took the boat from Galveston to Maine and did continue blog up until this point. Google Doc's Holiday Coming Home. Or go to
Www.cruisingwithdoc.blogspot.com
This was meant for mainly our family to follow and laugh about our learning experience but there are lots of pics and laughs ...see 2012 Gulfport Mississippi and scary parts...see Delaware bay a near death experience!

Well this side of the forum is the Tech side we also have the everything else part and I think I can speak for many here that we like to hear about others cruising and pictures of destinations etc.
Thanks for the link enjoy your trip.

 

[rsmith]

You can indeed swap out props underwater and do a good job , PROVIDING they have been properly lapped to the shafts on land before . The bigger the wheel the tougher it is . Leverage is not a problem- upside down with feet on either side of the wheel with a breaker bar , done it a lot of times ......Pat

Strong in the arm and weak in the mind is the problem here. Over tightening or getting the key way jammed is as bad as not tight enough. The pic in docs blog of the diver with the 48" pipe wrench says it all.