Potentially Serious Problem

[PaulAG]

Had exactly the same problem some years ago with Volvo MDIIC in my Centaur. Key and keyway badly mishapen so pin/bolt took all the strain of thrust and drive. Lasted about 10 hrs running then sheared - several times just when not wanted, once in mid-Channel from Alderney to Weymouth. Nothing for it but to dive into engine bay and replace bolt, or later a length of rod previously cut to length and kept in place with jubilee. Got quite quick at it too!
Replaced with clamp-up coupling (Volvo with 6 bolts to clamp) and no further problems.

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[Apetts]

Get a better coupling made! I had a similar problem years ago, the coupling bolt failed and the prop shaft slid out of the boat and jammed the rudder. I realised there was a problem when I went below and put my foot on the carpet, it was floating on 6inch of water in the saloon. Fortunately I was in Ramsey Hbr, IOM, and was able to dry alongside the wall to replace the shaft. I experienced two other such incidents one of which occured 5 miles out to sea. My wife sailed the boat back into harbour whilst I was wedged into the engine compartment hanging onto the prop shaft with my bear hands. It didn't do them much good! After that I had a new coulping made and never had any further problems.

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[PaulAG]

Everyone should have one or better two, Jubilee clips firmly fastened to the prop shaft ahead of the stern gland to stop just this sort of thing happening. In my own case (see previous post) this is all I had between me and Davy Jones locker.

<hr width=100% size=1>PaulAG