Where's my prop gone?

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waterfoul

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Where\'s my prop gone?

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Hi all,

During a trip down the Thames last summer, we picked up a large piece of three inch rope on the prop of our ex-MFV. Limped home slowly. Rammed lock gates (slowly). Eventually we managed to cut the mammoth piece of mooring/towing rope away, only to find the final four inches of the prop missing. Bear in mind this is like a thirty inch diameter beast.

So my questions are:
1. Are there any gurus out there with knowledge of large-ish Norwegian propellors of the 1970's?
2. Are there any good websites/books on props, to tell me whether the whole thing will fall off?
3. Anyone know of good suppliers (perhaps to the fishing fleet) who supply spares?

Any comments etc. gratefully received.
 
Re: Where\'s my prop gone?

Hi Waterfoul, sorry to hear of your problem. I assume when you say that the last 4 inches are missing you mean from the blade tips rather than the hub. It is fairly common to build up blade tips rather than replace the whole prop. Down your neck of the woods try Steel Developments in Merton Rd. London (020 8874 7059), I've not worked directly with them so can't comment on how good or otherwise they are. if you spread the net further then McCall Brothers in Inchinnon Buisness Park, Renfrew, (0141812 2888) are excellent and do repairs from all over the world. I have worked with them on many occasions and highly recommend them.

Good luck
 
Re: Where\'s my prop gone?

Sorry Waterfoul, I forgot to say that if it is the blade tips that are missing rather than the hub, then provided you are not experiencing severe vibration then there is little danger of the prop falling off. Ships regularly lose bits of propeller blades and I have seen situations where the owner will get a diver to trim the opposite blade (on a 4 blade prop) to the same size and carry on sailing untill the vessel can dry dock (that could be months ahead).
If you have a big chunk out of the hub then you need to get it looked at ASAP.

TTFN
 
Re: Where\'s my prop gone?

I have used Steel Developments, and they have been really helpfull - so give em a try!!
 
Re: Where\'s my prop gone?

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately, it is the last bit of the prop shaft or hub, rather than the blade tips, which is missing. The errant piece was cone shaped, so I think it was just for cavitation/hydrodynamic purposes rather than to hold the whole prop on. But I shall phone your recommendations and spoil their days too.
Now my worry is whether the shaft is still true. Gotta love boating.

Ta.
 
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