Bow Thruster Propeller Removal

[discovery2]

I have a QL BP800 bow thruster fitted (2 propellers, one each side).
When refitting the propellers each year after antifouling, I ensure that the shafs are clean and the propellers slide on easily.
However, each year they always difficult to remove and I often have to revert to using a mallet and a long length of timber to remove them - not the easiest of tasks as the blades of one propeller are not 'in line' with the other.
Is this a frequent problem with thruster propellers and does the panel have any suggestions to make removal easier.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions - hoping I can make the task easier next year!

 

[markdj]

Waterproof grease helps which makes taking the props off fairly possible, same with normal props, they can come off much easier after a year when grease has been applied before.

how come you don't antifoul the props? seeing the little use that a bow thruster gets over a season, the fouling would be substantial.

 

[discovery2]

I do antifoul the props - it is easier to remove them to antifouil them and the tunnel, and one also has to be removed to replace the anode on the housing!

 

[markdj]

Ah, I see, the anodes on ours are on the outside of the props. Hope the waterproof grease helps - it works for us.

 

[Kiszap]

I have problems getting the props as well. Is there a “locking thread“ involved after removing the two screws? I found a drawing that suggested that but haven’t noticed it but maybe that’s just because of antifouling ….?

 

[Affinity1]

I have a QL BP800 bow thruster. Trying to remove one side prop to replace the anode. I have removed the single screw located 90 degrees to the shaft going through the propeller . Is there another screw to remove ? Is it now a matter of a hopefully gentle hit with a hammer from the other side onto a piece of wood across the prop blades to be nudge the propeller along the shaft ? I assume that their is a key on the shaft.

 

[Affinity1]

I have a QL BP800 bow thruster fitted (2 propellers, one each side).
When refitting the propellers each year after antifouling, I ensure that the shafs are clean and the propellers slide on easily.
However, each year they always difficult to remove and I often have to revert to using a mallet and a long length of timber to remove them - not the easiest of tasks as the blades of one propeller are not 'in line' with the other.
Is this a frequent problem with thruster propellers and does the panel have any suggestions to make removal easier.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions - hoping I can make the task easier next year!

Hi , On a QL BP 800 is their just one screw securing each prop ( set at right angles to shaft ) ?. That seems to what the drawing shows although also seems to show a cap screw which I don’t have on mine. Having removed the single screw prop it is still rock solid.

 

[Ademist]

The trick I use to get them off is to take a length of line around one of the blades and then loop it back so that it goes around a blade on the opposite side and back out.
I then tie off the four resulting pieces of line with a knot at about 60cm. I then use a hammer, a bit like a slide hammer, to hit inside the knotted lines and it works very well without damaging the propeller.
I used to use the same set up , but with a shaft anode as an actual slide hammer, but found the normal hammer quicker to set up.

 

[doraymefa]

The trick I use to get them off is to take a length of line around one of the blades and then loop it back so that it goes around a blade on the opposite side and back out.
I then tie off the four resulting pieces of line with a knot at about 60cm. I then use a hammer, a bit like a slide hammer, to hit inside the knotted lines and it works very well without damaging the propeller.
I used to use the same set up , but with a shaft anode as an actual slide hammer, but found the normal hammer quicker to set up.

+1 for Ademist.
As thick and soft a line as you can fit round opposite blades tied in a loop then a sharp tug on the loop until the prop comes free. Just be sure that you have removed the lock nut/bolt