Rope around prop .. what to look for?

[Ninia]

Cruising along happily today, 19 knots, not a pot marker in sight. The boat suddenly slowed for a second and then back to normal. I throttled back within a few seconds and eventually noticed a green polypropylene rope trailing out behind my starboard prop. The boat was firmly anchored to whatever was on the end of the rope at the bottom. I just managed to pull the rope enough to cut it and head home on port engine only.
Thankfully all seems normal at first glance, the starboard prop shaft turns as easily as the port, no play in the shaft from inboard and P bracket mountings seem unaffected. Engine mounts seem fine. Boat is Corvette 320, Yanmar 6lp’s.
I’m going to get her lifted and inspected as soon as possible but would appreciate any advice regarding what to look for / how to proceed.
Many thanks in advance.

 

[Kawasaki]

Notify your Insurance company
Depending on Your Policy, you may be covered
Your Corvette might be one of the later ones having Yanmars fitted?
If so made by one of the 'better' builders
So maybe not much damage underneath?
Presume the poly rope is still bound to the shaft or prop but might a Diver first be a cheaper option than a lift
It might be worthwhile getting all the remaining rope clear and trying the Vessel on the starboard engine alone
If no vibes or shaking perhaps all will be well
A lift will surely put your mind at rest though. Praps a mid season wipe of the bum as well!
Good Luck

 

[nortada]

Have you had a look underneath.

In the depth in question, fins and goggles and possibly a wet suit should suffice.

Get the rest of the rope off and a quick look around could give you all of the reassurance you seek.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Polypropylene rope tends to weld itself around sterngear when it gets caught and then becomes very difficult to cut off, at least under water. My guess is that you've got a ball of polypropylene around the shaft and p bracket. Nothing to worry about if youre getting the boat lifted but check the play in the cutless bearing which you should do anyway whenever your boat comes out of the water

 

[Bandit]

Notify your insurer, you don't need to claim but if later you have a shaft or gearbox problem that may be attributable to this incident they may come to the party.

I would advise lifting the boat to inspect props, ropecutters if fitted and shafts.

If you are not sure get a suitable engineer to attend and inspect with you.

You often get damage to cutless bearings from rope.

I have seen rope melted back up into the cutless bearing, underwater to a solid disc. cutless destroyed.

 

[Ninia]

Update- just had the boat lifted. The rope was just loosely wrapped around the prop and shaft, everything seems fine. I think I got lucky but have informed the insurers just in case anything crops up later on.
Thanks for your replies.

 

[rafiki_]

Update- just had the boat lifted. The rope was just loosely wrapped around the prop and shaft, everything seems fine. I think I got lucky but have informed the insurers just in case anything crops up later on.
Thanks for your replies.

Good result!!!