boat yard fees and propeller protector ?

[gordontytler]

If you are doing work on the boat yourself you will have to pay for the hardstanding but if the yard is doing the work is this a factor? I need repairs to propellers / shafts / cutlass. I am thinking I could save money by sending the propellers off for repair but it wouldn't make sense if I had to pay for hardstanding while waiting for them to come back.

The damage was done hitting rocks on the upper Thames. I like the Thames so it would be a shame to not go any more. I was wondering if some modifications could protect the propellers and also allow the boat to rest on a beach.

 

[rafiki_]

I gues from your post that you don't pay for mooring fees? Usually, mooring fees include hard standing, so no additional cost apart from the lift out and back. It is possible to fit legs to support the boat on the river bottom if tidal, so you can work on the props and shafts, but consider that it will be very muddy, and the tide will come back in a few hours.

 

[sailorman]

If you are doing work on the boat yourself you will have to pay for the hardstanding but if the yard is doing the work is this a factor? I need repairs to propellers / shafts / cutlass. I am thinking I could save money by sending the propellers off for repair but it wouldn't make sense if I had to pay for hardstanding while waiting for them to come back.

The damage was done hitting rocks on the upper Thames. I like the Thames so it would be a shame to not go any more. I was wondering if some modifications could protect the propellers and also allow the boat to rest on a beach.

This is what you have ins for

 

[Tranona]

Think you will find you have to pay for hardstanding even if the yard is doing it. Of course the cost may be less as they may be able to do it more quickly than you.

Whether you can do anything to protect your props will depend on the underwater configuration. You probably need a skeg of some sort which runs under the props, but it is likely to be a major job making it strong enough to do anything other than deflect debris. Equally difficult to support the whole boat without some form of solid keel that goes to a depth greater than the props.

 

[kashurst]

I used to do a lot of river cruising and inevitably hit a few rocks in shallow water. I fitted a forward looking sonar. very useful in rivers and shallow water when going slowly. saved me a few times.

 

[oldgit]

The damage was done hitting rocks on the upper Thames. I like the Thames so it would be a shame to not go any more. I was wondering if some modifications could protect the propellers and also allow the boat to rest on a beach.

Bashing props on the Thames goes with the territory,doubt your insurers will cough up for negligence.You do get a feel for where and when things are going to go wrong and can usually back off the throttles fast enough to avoid major dings.
Although in tidal stretches it is normal to "dry out" to do work it is not usual up river.
I would definately bite the bullet and get either the yard or somebody who does that sort thing to sort your sterngear unless you are pretty certain you can do it.
The props are the least of the problems really,Steel Developments being very popular and can recommend a real prop specialist close to me in Chatham Dockyard.
P brackets are not real grief but if the shafts are worn/bent it needs specialist knowledge not to cause trouble for the gearboxes in later life.
If you are beaching you really really need to know what will be underneath your boat, a badly positioned rock or piece of scrap could damage the hull.

 

[gordontytler]

Thanks for all your replys.

rafiki_ - I do pay mooring fees and my marina has a slipway so this is probably the best option but they won't let me work on it myself. It's something I enjoy. I was considering legs or bilge keels or a deflector as a permanent/detachable modification.

sailorman - Insurance - yes I do have this.

Tranona - I have a keel for about 1/2 of the length which would support the front but the propellers are very exposed...



This is the best picture I have



kashurst - I think forward looking sona wouldn't help. One occasion the rock was in the middle of quite deep water. I would have the be watching it all the time unless it bleeps. However, as oldgit says "If you are beaching you really really need to know what will be underneath your boat, a badly positioned rock or piece of scrap could damage the hull." so it might help with this.

I think I will just get the minimum repairs now but take lots of measurements so that something can be constructed on land.

 

[omega2]

What boat are we talking about? and the marina who will not allow you to work on your own boat is not worth the effort, move somewhere else, or go somewhere else and if you have to pay for the privilege. Let your Marina know why you are not happy. Get her out and inspect the damage first, it may be a job beyond your knowledge. Re props and shafts Pbrackets talk to Paul Williams www.clementsmarine.co.uk

 

[Tranona]

Tranona - I have a keel for about 1/2 of the length which would support the front but the propellers are very exposed...



This is the best picture I have

View attachment 36009



I think I will just get the minimum repairs now but take lots of measurements so that something can be constructed on land.

Nothing unusual about that underwater profile. Skegs to protect the props would have to be very substantial, particularly if you want them to take the weight when dried out. Serious reinforcing would be needed inside the hull bottom. For occasional drying out a detachable leg on each corner of the transom is one solution.

 

[gordontytler]

What boat are we talking about? and the marina who will not allow you to work on your own boat is not worth the effort, move somewhere else, or go somewhere else and if you have to pay for the privilege. Let your Marina know why you are not happy. Get her out and inspect the damage first, it may be a job beyond your knowledge. Re props and shafts Pbrackets talk to Paul Williams www.clementsmarine.co.uk

The boat is a Birchwood 33. The marina is very well located but only has a small area on land which is booked up anyway. Its near Richmond on Thames so there are several other places nearby. Thanks for the link to www.clementsmarine.co.uk I also found this http://www.streamlinedpropellers.co.uk/
and http://www.castlemarine.co.uk/propeller-repair.php.

Fitting skegs or whatever might need to be a project for another year. Fortunately there are some places where I can bolt on something substantial without having to dismantle the rear cabin and remove the fuel tanks.

 

[gordontytler]

canoe and insurance

It has taken at least a year but the repairs will be complete very soon and my insurance is covering the loss. One shaft was also bent.

I now have a wooden Canadian canoe so no need for dodgy moorings. I will just drop anchor.

Perhaps later I will fit some retractable legs.

Boulters lock is closed now so I can't get back but I am looking forward a winter visiting Pangbourne and the John Barleycorn.