jammed impeller

[herdman]

Does anyone have any clever ideas about freeing a jammed speed impeller (ie the one that measures boat speed located under the hull). I have a westerly oceanquest with twin keels - no reading on the speed log - so I assume some weed or something has caught it. I COULD dry out and get it sorted - I have already taken it for a few hours fast spin about but it has still not freed.... any thoughts?? If not will have to dry out..

many thanks Giles Herdman.

 

[nedmin]

Dont know where your prop. is in relation to the impeller but have you tried reverse thrust on your prop. usually clears mine.

 

[TigaWave]

Cant you lift it out from the inside? every boat I've ever sailed on you could? just have the plug ready. We would always remove ours after every race to make sure it didn't get clogged up with weeds etc.
Small barnacles will start to grow on them and jamm them up if they're left for any length of time.

 

[Spyro]

I had same problem with mine recently luckily I could reach it with a long handled deck scrubber from my dinghy. A quick brush and it was working again.

 

[sailorman]

hi Giles & welcome
what make is it

 

[david_bagshaw]

Swim & wiggle it with your toes!!

A couple of years ago forgot to check impeller after anti fouling.

Realised at the moment when the yard called engine start & for the all clear to let slipway winch off, rumbling down slipway hit water & SH** Ive forgotten to check it!

Took an hour to work it free enough, hand in exhaust pipe and a full stretch under. Wont forget again.

 

[Juggler7823]

The first thing to try is motor backwards. Then, if you can, pull the impellor into the boat and replace the blanking plug. This can be done afloat. Having everything ready and a few rehearsals should do the job with only a few pints entering the boat! It can be cleaned and returned afloat as well.