BLUEMOMENT

Just been out to Fairwinds and spent over an hour cleaning birdshit off the cockpit, still got the side decks to do and as usual there are lots of new stains that won;t come out with the usual JIf/Cif etc. Thinkiing of trying Magic Sponge.

But more importantly, the fornicating boat will not go forwards or backwards. Shaft spins in the appropriate direction, and there is a very small swirly at the side of the boat but not a lot and she doesn't move.

So either the keyway has sheared, or the prop won't unfold (2-blade folder) or it is a solid ball of barnacles (unlikely) or it has fallen off.

Time to call in a favour from my pal Stevie and ask him to go take a look. Not lifting out until I know what it is as I will be fixing it in the slings.

I’d guess the folder is fouled shut..

Got a Go-pro, boat hook and electrical tape? Easiest way to find out.

The bottom of my boatie is festooned in weed and I’m trying to decide if I’m better off lifting her for a clean and check, drying out somewhere for a tide - Dunno where and have never done it before.Or spend the ‘Lift&Hold’ dosh on a check and service of the dive kit and get after it Jaques Cousteau Stylee..

wully wrote: ↑Fri Apr 29, 2022 7:34 pm I’d guess the folder is fouled shut..

Got a Go-pro, boat hook and electrical tape? Easiest way to find out.

The bottom of my boatie is festooned in weed and I’m trying to decide if I’m better off lifting her for a clean and check, drying out somewhere for a tide - Dunno where and have never done it before.Or spend the ‘Lift&Hold’ dosh on a check and service of the dive kit and get after it Jaques Cousteau Stylee..

I've only dried Fairwinds out once, at Kilmelford and antifouled between tides. I have a freind going ot check the prop on Sunday for me. Hopefully it is only fouled shut and he will be able to clean it off.

There's a wee place just opposite the Cleit rock which is handy for drying oot

just sayin.....

Might try drying out on Balvicar Pier if it comes to that. . . it's not ideal, but a friend did it with his Twister a couple of times.

(It's a private pier, so not an option without permission)

It's a wee boat - just get into the dinghy and look and feel, after all the prop is sticking out behind the Orca chewable bit. A facemask - you have one on board, don't you? - could help.

A ten second waggle by my diving friend and all is well.

Nick wrote: ↑Mon May 02, 2022 12:20 pm A ten second waggle by my diving friend and all is well.

But what about your propellor?