I recently lost a blade on my three blade Autoprop in a tight rock-strewn channel in Lake Huron's Georgian Bay. Has anyone ever heard of a blade coming off without having hit any thing? There was no damage to the remaining parts of the prop, or the boat; no sign of collision. It looks like the nut holding the blade just came off! We were stranded for a week. I've never heard of that happening.
Up until now, I've loved the prop's performance. But...
drrmt2,
I've heard of it happening before, but it is not common. If you ask Autoprop, they will swear that is the first they have ever heard of it happening.....
One of the reasons I take mine off the boat each winter, dissassemble it, clean it, reassemble, and lube it. That way if something weird happens, I know it was my fault.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
[quote=TomSoko;9976]drrmt2,
I've heard of it happening before, but it is not common. If you ask Autoprop, they will swear that is the first they have ever heard of it happening.....
One of the reasons I take mine off the boat each winter, dissassemble it, clean it, reassemble, and lube it. That way if something weird happens, I know it was my fault.[/quote]
I've sent the prop to the US distributor, and I'll let you know if they decide to make good. I see no damage, just a missing blade. While I haven't gone to the extent you do for annual service, I always grease the bearings well once a year which is all they tell you to do. It was pretty upsetting to have that happen.
I would go back to a fixed 3 blade prop. I think it is better on the shaft and trans and motor alignment. Folder has no real advantage on our slower boats, after all we are not a racing boat.
Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058
[QUOTE=Jimmy;10040]I would go back to a fixed 3 blade prop. I think it is better on the shaft and trans and motor alignment. Folder has no real advantage on our slower boats, after all we are not a racing boat.[/QUOTE]
I have a fixed three blade on now and you are right. We used to have a lot of vibration that we just lived with. The pedestal and back stay always vibrated at cruising rpm. But now there is no vibes at all, and we love it. We do have to run at a higher rpm, but that may be better for the engine. Also reverse is better, surprisingly, with less prop walk.
I just got a reply from Autoprop after they studied my prop. They could not tell why the blade came off. Like this never happens. To repair the prop and add a blade they want $1800. I am surprised they will not stand behind their product. Having a blade come off was potentially very dangerous in our situation. Even if insurance decides to cover the repair cost, I doubt I'll have it done. If it lost a blade once, it can happen again, and I would be uncomfortable with the suspense.
Bob Taylor
The high prices and potential for problems like this have kept me from considering a folding or feathering prop. I have considered going for the middle ground and installing a Campbell Sailor prop which is lower drag than a stock prop but is still a fixed model.
Bill Boggs
s/v Palmetto Moon
1991 C36, Hull 1128
Herrington Harbor South
Chesapeake Bay
This brings me a question about the prop. I have the standard 3 blade prop. The last time I had the diver clean the bottom - he told me that there was no cotter pin on the prop shaft behind the prop nut. Is there supposed to be one? I hate to loose my prop.:confused:
Haro Bayandorian, 1999 C36 MKII, Sail La Vie #1787, M35B,
Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA.
Haro,
Yes, there should be one. The order should be from fore to aft:
Prop, small nut, large castle nut, cotter pin.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
[QUOTE=baysailor2000;10200] The last time I had the diver clean the bottom - he told me that there was no cotter pin on the prop shaft behind the prop nut. Is there supposed to be one?[/QUOTE]
Would one not expect that the diver would simply put one in? My diver does zincs, too, as I would think yours would, so he should have a basic tool kit.
Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)
Thanks for the help. I guess I will have to dive myself and put one on.
Haro Bayandorian, 1999 C36 MKII, Sail La Vie #1787, M35B,
Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA.