Rope cutter - good idea or not?

[ash2020]

We're launching soon, after the winter layup and I'm wondering whether to install a rope cutter on the propshaft. I mentioned it to our local charter company and he said "rubbish! we took all ours off"

It seems like a good idea but are they more trouble than they are worth?

Pros and cons?

Also, is there a type that can be fitted without removing the prop? I know that will be a full blown nightmare.

Thanks.

 

[Clancy Moped]

Plenty on the market that come in two halves that you bolt round the shaft. Pros: they cut ropes. Cons: can't think of any, mine provided any in 18 years of service.

 

[ash2020]

Plenty on the market that come in two halves that you bolt round the shaft. Pros: they cut ropes. Cons: can't think of any, mine provided any in 18 years of service.

Thank you. Do you know how many ropes you cut in 18 years?

 

[Clancy Moped]

Thank you. Do you know how many ropes you cut in 18 years?

Two that I know of, could be a lot more that I wasn't aware of, but notably, it got me out of a large fishing net on a night sail across the boot of Italy.

 

[MoodySabre]

I've got one of these Ambassador Marine
No need to remove the prop.
I have found fibres round the bearings to confirm that it has worked. In an area like mine with lots of pots about I wouldn't be without one.

 

[Tranona]

We're launching soon, after the winter layup and I'm wondering whether to install a rope cutter on the propshaft. I mentioned it to our local charter company and he said "rubbish! we took all ours off"

It seems like a good idea but are they more trouble than they are worth?

Pros and cons?

Also, is there a type that can be fitted without removing the prop? I know that will be a full blown nightmare.

Thanks.

Like most products, there are rope cutters and rope cutters and some are more effective than others. As usual you get what you pay for. If you boat in areas where there is a lot of fishing, particularly potting activity then your need is greater. The link MoodySabre gives will tell you what is required for your boat.

 

[Roberto]

I have one of those steel disks with sharpened, slightly toothed contour : the only thing I am sure it cut a couple of time was my finger/knuckles while working around anodes and/or propeller. I found it on the boat so am keeping it, but I would not buy it. Actually, should some fishing net become entangled around it, it might make working underwater around it more dangerous.

 

[ash2020]

Two that I know of, could be a lot more that I wasn't aware of, but notably, it got me out of a large fishing net on a night sail across the boot of Italy.

That sounds like a lifesaver!

 

[ash2020]

I've got one of these Ambassador Marine
No need to remove the prop.
I have found fibres round the bearings to confirm that it has worked. In an area like mine with lots of pots about I wouldn't be without one.

They look the business. Thank you. I'll see if I can mount one on the stern tube. I might need a clamp type.

 

[Clancy Moped]

They look the business. Thank you. I'll see if I can mount one on the stern tube. I might need a clamp type.

Have a look at what your local charter company has ditched.

 

[ash2020]

Have a look at what your local charter company has ditched.

Sadly, they are all large boats and mine is a little toy 19mm shaft.

 

[Tranona]

Check your shaft very carefully. That sound like a 3/4" as the metric "equivalent" is 20mm What boat is it?

 

[ash2020]

Check your shaft very carefully. That sound like a 3/4" as the metric "equivalent" is 20mm What boat is it?

Yes, it is a 3/4 or 19.05 mm. I measured it with a micrometer. A 20mm won't fit. She's a Varne 27, a bit like a Folkboat.

 

[ash2020]

I've got one of these Ambassador Marine
No need to remove the prop.
I have found fibres round the bearings to confirm that it has worked. In an area like mine with lots of pots about I wouldn't be without one.

Unfortunately I don't have £700. The most I can spend is maybe £400.

 

[Tranona]

You need an AM5 which is available in 3/4" and around £500 for a 2 blade

 

[PetiteFleur]

I have the Ambassador Stripper and it's worked on at least 3 occasions that I know of - the first time was approaching a mooring buoy with the engine idling in gear, the engine stopped but restarted immediately and thne found one of my genoa sheets was 2 metres shorter...
The last time was motoring across the North Sea to Holland when again the engine suddenly stopped. We had snagged a large piece of of heavy duty plastic, we were debating who was going swimming to clear when I tried going backwards and forwards in gear and after a couple of minutes it freed and we saw the plastic floating away. We were getting concerned as we were in the middle of the shipping channel. Dried out on a slipway in Holland but no damage. Recommended but they are expensive now.

 

[LadyInBed]

I haven't fitted a cutter though I should have, probably laziness on my part!
A thought that struck me is that the engine needs to have enough torque to cut the rope and not stall.

 

[Clancy Moped]

I haven't fitted a cutter though I should have, probably laziness on my part!
A thought that struck me is that the engine needs to have enough torque to cut the rope and not stall.

The fishing net stopped the engine dead, but after a re-start and gentle forward then reverse a few times, job done.

 

[slawosz]

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Once you have snagged a rope or net without a reliable cutter you will learn the advantages of having one. I can think of no disadvantages only advantages the video above tells you everything you need to know.