Drive in water - Prop off questions

[tackleshep]

Next question. I have a prop that I would like to send off to be reworked. It has a couple good dings in it, don't need a new one but definately would spend the money over the winter to get this one all squared away.

I can't imagine this as being a big deal but I thought I'd ask. Could I take a prop off the shaft and leave the shaft in the water for the winter with no prop on it? Any danger to doing that?

[seapuppy]

no real danger cuz the shaft is sealed against water intrusion...however, I'd get it off..repaired and then back on...cost here in the US is about 60 bucks to refinish the prop...


SP

[tackleshep]

Yeah cost isn't the problem it's the time. We don't have local shops so it has to be shipped off and will take a matter of weeks. As discussed I don't have a trailer so I don't have a place to leave it out of the water. The plan will be to remove it while it's on a buddies lift, put boat back in water for winter, put it back on in the spring.

[hybris1]

I would just put some extra waterproof grease on the shaft splines and threads. Less chance you will have to clean any growth off of it.

[seapuppy]

I'd secure a heavy duty plastic bag around it then while it's in the water...maybe 2 incase one gets beat up.....
also make sure the drive is down so you don't stress the bellows....


SP