Offset prop

[oakum]

I have a long keel R.Clark yawl with offset prop and I'm always catching debris around it (inevitably when I least need it), I've thought about rope cutter, but that doesn't stop plastic bags getting me, folding prop??, not sure about rather something to deflect anything coming along keel, or even some kind of guard around prop! Any ideas gratefully received and tried.

 

[Windy]

Lobster fisherman in Maritime, Canada construct a metal cage around the prop, seen from the stern you would have a metal "hoop" slightly larger than the prop and 2 to 3 inches wide x (say) 3/8" thick and the side view would show "spaced" 1/2 inch metal bars welded to the hoop and run longitudinally to the hull, these are "gathered in" to a smaller diameter than the hoop, sort of a cone effect, seems to work..........

I would reduce the metal thickness for a sailboat..........

 

[ColinHuggins]

Never had that problem myself - I'd go for a folding prop every time. They really have advanced and offer comparable performance - but that thread is well-worn if you look elsewhere on these pages.

 

[Blueboatman]

I think Chuggin is right..I have had extensive experience of using 3 offset propped wooden boats in my (short) life.The best of the installations had a solid 'log' instead of a p bracket and a 2 blade variable pitch prop that could be aligned parallel with the hull for sailing.Nowadays a true folding prop would be better. I have seen metal straps wrapped around the prop to theoretically protect it but would worry that if you did catch something it would simply distort the metal work or worse rip it right out of the hull. A semi stiff plastic skeg (like a windsurfers rudder) fixed just ahead of the prop would save most situations I would think.