Hauling the boat Friday went well and the bottom has been sanded and repainted, along with a nice wax buff on the hull.

The only problem is that the prop would not come off, even with a prop puller, an acetylene (not propane) torch, and a hammer.

I am destined to leave the prop and cutless bearing alone until the next haulout (thankfully, the cutless bearing is still in pretty good shape).

The problem, you patient souls, is that the bronze nut failed and l am not sure where I can find a local replacement until Monday. Checking at Catalina Direct, I see the appropriate size nut listed as "brass." I am not sure whether it is the same material as the original equipment, but brass is usually not recommended for marine applications where it contacts salt water.

I wonder if it is really a decent grade of bronze, and they don't know enough to label it correctly, or if it really is brass and that might be why it failed after 10 years.

Any ideas or comments? Thanks!