Gator Rope Cutter - Dismanteling

[Peggy M]

I'm trying to dismantle a Gator rope cutter for maintenance.
I've removed the 2 machine screws that hold the halves of the Aft ring together and also the 2 that hold the halves of the Forward ring together. I've also removed the P bracket attachment that prevents the aft ring from turning. I expected that the cutter would come apart easily after that but it's as if there's something in there still locking it together. I'd there's anyone out there who's familiar with dismantling a Gator I'd really appreciate guidance as to what to do next

 

[Tranona]

Pretty sure you need to remove the locking part, the one closest to the skeg. It will be aa tight fit and probably needs a lever between the 2 halves. The fixed cutter should then unhook and you can remove the rest.

It is a very poor copy of the Stripper and the attachment method is similar but a bit more complicated partly to avoid infringing the patent.

The fixed cutter bearings may be worn.. The blades should not touch each other, When you reassemble leave a small gap, maybe 3mm between it and the prop hub and make sure the blades rotate freely. The hub moves slightly when the blades are turning and a bit of wear could result in it binding on the cutter body.

Vitesse Marine seem to be selling spares vitessemarine.co.uk/brands-gator-rope-cutters

 

[Peggy M]

Pretty sure you need to remove the locking part, the one closest to the skeg. It will be aa tight fit and probably needs a lever between the 2 halves. The fixed cutter should then unhook and you can remove the rest.

It is a very poor copy of the Stripper and the attachment method is similar but a bit more complicated partly to avoid infringing the patent.

The fixed cutter bearings may be worn.. The blades should not touch each other, When you reassemble leave a small gap, maybe 3mm between it and the prop hub and make sure the blades rotate freely. The hub moves slightly when the blades are turning and a bit of wear could result in it binding on the cutter body.

Vitesse Marine seem to be selling spares vitessemarine.co.uk/brands-gator-rope-cutters

 

[Peggy M]

Thanks Tranona - I really appreciate that. I'll go back at it tomorrow

 

[Peggy M]

That worked. It was the P bracket side that came off first. I needed to wedge a screwdriver into the gap between the two halves on both sides at the same time.
Thanks for your help.