Drilling a hole in shaft after new prop install

[Stefanojo]

So I got myself a new Campbell Sailor prop (love it).  The diver I hired to install it has been trying to drill a hole through the shaft in order to put a pin through it to secure the second nut. He told me this is SOP. The problem is is he hasn't been able to drill a hole through the shaft. He's broken multiple bits and supposedly has the correct gear. He's been in consultation with our local prop shop. It just seems odd. He thinks the shaft is made out of something other than stainless. I have no idea. Figured I'd check in with the brain trust

[waughoo]

Stainless can be pretty problematic to drill.  I can only imaging the added challenges of doing it under water. 

[Noah]

I hate to be a naysayer but...wasn't there a hole already drilled in your shaft for your previous prop? How do you lap fit the taper of the shaft/prop while in the water? Perhaps you should abandon this underwater effort and  do a "short haul" at a boatyard-—taking care of those issues while hanging in the slings?

[Ron Hill]

Steve : I agree with Noah, you already have a hole thru the shaft for a cotter pin that secured your old prop. Can't you use it for a new cotter pin thru the new prop???

A thought

[KWKloeber]

I he has the correct gear, he will be using a cobalt drill bit on stainless steel.