Diving to change sail drive anodes

[PabloPicasso]

Is it feasable to swim under the boat to change sail drive anodes. It's the three semi circular anodes on the prop hub that will need changing (not the big ring anode that requires prop removal)

I do not have scuba gear, just a wetsuit and snorkel.

The bolts on these need a thread lock but won't this wash off if it gets wet before being done up?

 

[West Coast]

Would suggest not, while it does not take long, it is a fiddly job to do! Better to dry out and do the job properly between tides.

 

[nigelmercier]

My mate managed to get the propeller off, but we decided it was better to use the dive gear to finish the job. The Loctite does not wash off. Make sure you have all the right sized wrenches ready.

 

[PabloPicasso]

It's just three Allen bolts, one on each anode. Good to know water wont affect the loctite thread lock
Looks like ill have to lift to anti foul any way so tin might be safer and quicker to pay for a lift

 

[Tony Cross]

I was told (yes, I know...) that changing anodes underwater is a bad idea. The reason apparently is that when you tighten the bolts you compress the water between the threads so that the bolt feels tight. Over time the (pressurised) water in the threads leaks out and the bolts (and anodes) are now loose.

 

[nigelmercier]

I was told ... that when you tighten the bolts you compress the water between the threads so that the bolt feels tight.

Presumably by someone who wanted you to pay for a lift-out? It is twaddle, one could say the same for Loctite or oil on threads.

 

[rob2]

There is a little truth to this as it is normal to specify torque settings either wet or dry where such distinctions are appropriate - but that's to do with lubricating the thread rather than compression - but it would make a difference when working underwater.

Rob.

 

[Spyro]

As i stayed in all winter and dont expect to come out til the end of the season I changed my prop anode last weekend, I have a decent wetsuit but my handsaws head were very cold. The water temp this at this time of year is still very cold. One problem you will have is staying down as there is a lot of buoyancy in a wetsuit. I have a couple of large weights I tie around my waist also you won't be able to hold your breath anywhere near as long as you might think due to the cold. Obviously if you drop any bits your stuffed.

 

[vyv_cox]

I have removed and replaced a Stripper underwater, Corsica in May, so perhaps warmer than in UK but nowhere near comfortable. The advantage was that visibility was good. It's a fiddly job, several small screws, but I took my time and managed it OK. Mask and snorkel, no wetsuit. I cannot see Threadlock staying on while you take the bolt underwater.

 

[wiggy]

I've done the 3 part anode on my boat with it in the water for the last couple of years, due to the fact that the anodes don't last a full season. You get new alen key bolts with the new anode so if you drop one just use the old ones. I don't use locktite just do as tight as possible. As to holding breath, I can get 1 section on/ off per breath and just rest my head on the hull to stop me floating, just make sure someone is handy to warn of incoming wash with a tap on the hull.