Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Kirk Garner on April 06, 2012, 12:36:39 PM

Title: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: Kirk Garner on April 06, 2012, 12:36:39 PM
What are the chances of succesfully replacing the zink on the prop shaft using mask & snorkle (and of course wetsuit!)? Any brave souls ever attempt this?

Thanks, Kirk
Title: Re: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: Ralph Masters on April 06, 2012, 01:04:14 PM
Kirk,
It can be done, but it would be difficult.  You have to get that first nut/bolt on just a couple of threads started, come up for air, then the second bolt/nut stared, come up for air, then repeat to tighten.  if you drop a nut or bot or screw driver start all over.

Ralph
Title: Re: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: chuck53 on April 06, 2012, 02:11:41 PM
Boat cleaning divers do it all the time.  it's part of the service they offer.
Title: Re: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: Ron Hill on April 06, 2012, 02:15:41 PM
Kirk : Replacing a shaft Zn "in the water" is usually done with a dive tank.
 
I guess that you can do it with just a mask, but you'll have to be someone that can hold their breath for awhile!!
Title: Re: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: Stephen Butler on April 06, 2012, 02:58:47 PM
Yes, it can be done and in fact have done it once in warm clear water, and never ever again.  Biggest challenge was low density high bouyancy fat submerged.  Got it done in about 15 minutes, but never again.   Our bottom cleaner does it in less than 5 minutes.
Title: Re: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: Ralph Masters on April 06, 2012, 03:41:12 PM
Having worked as a comercial and military diver it's best to let the diver do it, unless you have a Self Contained Underwater Breathing Appratus, also known as SCUBA gear.

Ralph
Title: Re: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: prh77 on April 06, 2012, 04:57:29 PM
Have done it in LI Sound many times. Usually done in July or August. Using only a mask, it takes 5 or 6 dives with allen keys. Pick a calm day, not to bad...assuming you are a good swimmer.l
Title: Re: Replacing zink on prop shaft
Post by: Kirk Garner on April 07, 2012, 09:06:45 AM
Thanks all. Will give it a shot this Summer.......