Lobster pot - damage?

[RJJ]

We caught lobster pot today, under sail in force 2-3. We dropped sails, I dashingly cut it free dangling off the transom and we sailed on to an anchorage.

Upon cursory inspection there is just a turn or two of rope around the shaft, no visible damage, the shaft can be rotated by hand in neutral and the prop feathers in both directions.

I will go down again with better light and a knife in the morning and cut off the remaining rope; also will check the saildrive oil again.

If all seems well, can I reasonably assume OK to engage gear? And then if so, do I need further inspection, or can we count ourselves fortunate? Or would folks urge a liftout inspection? Any other precautions recommended? Thanks.

 

[Tranona]

Check nothing trapped between the prop and the anode. Line getting in there can get to the seals. Lucky escape. Time to think about fitting a stripper in case it happens again. Saildrives are £5k to replace, although insurers may pay up, still massive inconvenience.

 

[RichardS]

We've had lines around the prop whilst under engine sufficient to stall the engine several times. We've always been able to free of by re-starting and then engaging reverse or, where that has failed, swimming down and cutting. It's never done any harm to the saildrives or engines.

Richard

 

[Tranona]

You have been lucky (as have I before I fitted a cutter). However in my former professional life I have seen plenty of the dire consequences when you do run out of luck.

 

[Neeves]

The rope may have damaged the anodes - they are very brittle. Short term does not matter - but check - they may need to be replaced sooner than normal.

J

 

[RJJ]

Thanks all. Hopefully as you say a narrow escape. Will report back.

 

[Refueler]

Hows that grab yer !!

Picked up near Folly Inn on way up to Newport Quay. Thought the boat was going to shake itself to bits ... ahead - astern - nothing helped.
Photo taken once tide going out on the quay .... lot of work but care with boathook finally had it off. No I did not leave it there for another to get caught up with ...

As another says - need to make sure nothing is left that can weld to the shaft / damage the shaft exit etc. Nylon and synthetics literally 'weld' themselves over time and can be a devils job to remove.