Mystery Solved!

03Dec 2017 by Scott

Let me1 set the stage a bit. Last time I wrote about my lack of propulsion, I thought I had narrowed the possibilities down to three:

1) Something wrapped around the prop, restricting the blades from opening. This is the best caseit is easily fixed, costs nothing, no need for a tow in Antigua. All very straightforward. But unlikely. Its certainly possible if the prop were spinning, but I lock the transmission in reverse while sailing, which causes the blades to fold closed.

So I heavily discounter this possibility.

2) The prop fell off. As you may recall, this was my bet for most likely. Its a bit expensive (Volvo props arent cheap) and would involve a tow and a short lift of the boat out of the water to replace. But the repair is straightforward, so not much else can go wrong during the repair.

Unfortunately, as Ive been perseverating about the possibilities, I became more and more concerned that it was very unlikely as well. The prop is held on a shaft by a big nut. Then theres a metal washer with tabs at the edges, one of which is bent down over a side of the nut to keep it from turning. Then theres a bolt screwed into the end of the shaft to hold the washer in place. So, to remove the prop, the bolt and the big nut both have to be removed (and the washer pried out).

So, as I thought about it, I concluded that this possibility was very unlikely as well. Which left the third and ugliest alternative:

3) Problem inside the transmission. This is ugly in every way. I dont think anything can be done inside the transmission without removing it from the boat. Which may also require removing the engine from the boat. Which means disconnecting lots of hoses, wires, linkages, etc. and hoping that they all get put back together correctly. And hoping nothing else gets damaged while removing the engine (which is bulky and heavy). All the while with Resolute on jack stands out of the water, which Ive learned can cause my bottom paint to sag and slide and imprint where the stands touch the hull (only a problem in hot weather).

So this alternative is expensive and fraught with complications.

Although I had concluded that possibilities 1 & 2 were not likely, I felt a need to eliminate them for certain before reaching Antigua. Ive been waiting for the wind and waves to calm during daylight so I coul take a look.

Today was the day. Waves of 4-6, wind 13kts. Sunny. 80F water temperature. I deployed a gale drogue, ran a couple of lines under the boat, then dropped the sails and waited for Resolute to settle at the end of the drogue warp. Donned a climbing harness attached to the boat, mask and fins.

So, what did I find?

No prop.

Hopefully I can get a replacement shipped to arrive in Antigua on Thursday, when I expect to reach Falmouth Harbor. Hopefully I can get a replacement shipped to Antigua by

16 thoughts on “Mystery Solved!”

  • mark baldwin

    Yup. When I lost my prop it probably was the cotter-pin in the outer nut. I think when Matt lost his it was a two-nut and washer rig like yours. At least your prop is a stock item and won’t take a season to replace. (I think I’ll order a spare!)

  • Jim Coughlin

    Well I’m surprised and not surprised,,
    It was the most obvious culprit, and still a mystery as to how it came off?

  • Don Roeder

    Well mystery solved but who would guess. I would be having a talk for sure with the last people to have that prop off

  • Jonathan Green

    The only time I had to replace a prop, I was able to do it with the boat in the water. Lots cheaper than a short haul.

  • Gregg

    Rich went through this with Buzz in Bermuda. It took a bit to get the prop through customs. Getting it on wasn’t a big deal, though it wasn’t a sail drive. waiting for the yard to pull us and do the job took the most time, but that’s life when you are looking to head home. Fortunately you aren’t in that bind. Good luck!

  • David Miller

    This is going to make for a great book someday. And surely Hollywood will take options on the screenplay. A perfect role for Tom Hanks!

  • Paul

    A properly installed prop does not just come off! A little investigation as to why might be in order. From a power boaters perspective I am sure glad you have sails

  • Good Day Scott…..we will get it ordered and sent to you at the Catamaran Club, will advise Shawn Malone, Junior’s brother if you need assistance, can haul out at Hugh Bailey’s at Catamaran Marina.
    Do you want a spare?

    Bob

  • Bernard Blum

    Scott:
    Sent your kind Bermuda radio comments to daughter and partner (who is a Bermuda resident and
    just finished a Nova Scotia/Georgetown-Exumas delivery, but not single handed) . Your thoughts
    were much appreciated.
    Best,
    Bernie

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