In deep water, without there being any rocks to hit, what would cause part of a steel prop to break off?
2007-12-30 06:25:39 · 11 answers · asked by sucker for acoustic. 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
(I don't own a boat, so it's not a matter of me running over things. Thank you for recommending certain types of props, but I won't be buying any.)
I work on a ferries. I'm also addicted to the Deadliest Catch. An episode of the show triggered the question.
2008-01-02 04:01:04 · update #1
logs
2008-01-06 09:28:07 · answer #1 · answered by mackie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ocean is full of debris. Striking a partially submerged log, an old boat hull, even a whale or a large fish can fracture a prop blade. Also, metal fatigue and wear, a process called "electrollosis" which is a corrosive electrical current that is caused by metal on a boat reacting with salt water can wear out a prop blade if you do not have the correct "zinc" ball or other set up to controll it. In short, there are lots of things that can cause it.
2008-01-04 16:29:45 · answer #2 · answered by randy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other answers are very good. I would also suggest you use a stainless steel prop as aluminum is adversely affected by salt water. Objects that are semi buoyant will float just below the surface of the water, and cannot be seen from above the water are a real danger in both fresh and salt water. In my experience with having to repair and replace many aluminum props, I have found that a stainless steel prop will survive more than an aluminum prop. The skeg on the bottom of the lower unit is intended to help protect the prop as well as help act as a rudder when turning the motor. Make sure the skeg in not damaged or worn down. They can be repaired. Many props are damaged when pulling away from a cement launching ramp.
2007-12-31 11:29:44 · answer #3 · answered by JRay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no mateniece, poor casting ,hairline cracks,sandbars, bad things floting in the water
2007-12-31 10:44:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Broken drive shaft
floating debris
discarded fishing nets
large sea creatures
anchor tangle
anomolies such as poor welds on props
hairline cracks in prop
broken bearing and bushings on the hull
2007-12-30 14:35:15 · answer #5 · answered by Tbone 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are all kinds of things floating around out there. I've done a number of repairs on boats that hit mystery stuff.
2007-12-30 19:30:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
severe imbalance in an older prop anything over 18in prop
2007-12-30 19:09:26 · answer #7 · answered by robert v 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
fatigue of the metal, corrosion, poor casting of the material during manufacture, severe imbalance of blade loading.
2007-12-30 14:51:22 · answer #8 · answered by mark t 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lobster pots!
fatigue in the metal
lack of general maintenance
2008-01-02 05:26:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jaws
2007-12-30 14:31:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋