C-28 2019 Prop Pulling...

[Bob/Bradenton]

Last weekend a sandbar popped up and bent one blade of our prop.

Hauled at the yard for bottom paint and zincs but the yard (very experienced) is having a tough time getting it off.

There is not enough room behind the prop on the shaft to get a puller jaws in there. There are no holes drilled in the prop to attach the bolt-type puller. They are going to try some heat in the morning but if anyone knows of a way to get prop off, please pass it along...Bob/Bradeton

 

[Pandion]

I haven't removed the prop from a C-28 but I've removed many limited-clearance props using a plate puller. We always made our own using plate steel and stainless threaded rod/washers/nuts.

You can search for Walter plate puller to get an idea of how they work.

 

[knotflying]

This is a bit pricy, but I have used one of these. How much clearance do you have? Have you tried a harmonic puller?
Here is a video link: https://www.google.com/search?q=how...e&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_K060YvnCKvegptQP3cu2sAo18 Here is a link

 

[BB marine]

A prop puller is very easy to make. I made one for my C 26 cutwater 3 blade and I just made one for my one for my 34 Mainship with four blade props.

This is the 3 blade I made for the Cutwater

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The plate that goes between the shaft log and the prop needs to be sized. I had just under an inch of clearance. When I made the puller for my 4 blade I purchased (2) 8" diameter steel discs from amazon
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... OSdneXUU6X

I drilled 4 holes for (4) 1/2" threaded rods 8 heavy duty washers and 8 heavy duty nuts. I cut a center hole half way through the plate that would go at the end of the shaft to keep the plate centered. The plate that goes between the prop and the log I cut an 1 1/2" diameter hole in the center and then used a cut off wheel to cut a slot 1 1/2 " wide from the outside of the disc to the center hole. The shaft will slide through the disc. This set up pulled both props with ease. It looks just like the three blade puller with an extra threaded rod.

 

[Gypsy]

I have a C28 and have damaged the prop twice in one year. The first time I could not get the prop off. I tried several wheel pullers to no avail. Finally, I took the boat to the prop shop. They used a harmonic puller with a big sledge hammer. Basically, the puller is not a puller. It is a heave duty nut that screws onto the shaft. When you hit the nut hard with a sledge hammer, it breaks the prop loose. When the refurbished prop was put on, anti-seize was applied to the shaft and threads. The second time I had to remove the prop, I used a vibrating hammer on the end of the shaft while applying some hand pulling pressure on the blades of the prop. Prop popped right off. Easy-peasy.

 

[Bob/Bradenton]

Thanks for all the helpful comments.

The yard, as soon as their Plasma Cutter is fixed, is going to make the proper size backing plate to fit between the prop and the bearing housing (only about an inch of blank space) and then use their existing Puller.

Those harmonic nuts that screw onto the end of the shaft work good too but you can't hit them too hard or you will damage the transmission which is at the other end. The yard manager, told me that when he was a kid, was advised by his boss to take a large sledge hammer to the nut and really whack it. Crushed the tail end of the trans. Taps I can see but nothing that could stress the trans and shaft, but thanks.

Now, regarding Brian's beautiful Prop Puller (take a look at the photos that he posted), Brian, have you ever considered having someone make these and then you sell them? Every C-28 (and I assume other similar boats that have limited space at the rear of the prop), needs to have one of these on their ship.

Everyone bends a prop from time to time and if you are far from home and need to get that prop off, especially under water, that tool needs to be on the boat, ready for use.

So, put me on your "Brian's Prop Puller Gizmo" purchase list if you want to spin off a couple.

Thanks again, Bob/Bradenton

 

[S. Todd]

I purchased a NO2N Walter Machine Plate Prop Puller from the PropellerDepot.com for our R29S. They have smaller versions too which might work for the D-3 engine boats. A little pricey but works without any impact needed to the drive shaft and transmission. Similar concept to what Brian built for his use.

 

[BB marine]

Now, regarding Brian's beautiful Prop Puller (take a look at the photos that he posted), Brian, have you ever considered having someone make these and then you sell them? Every C-28 (and I assume other similar boats that have limited space at the rear of the prop), needs to have one of these on their ship.

Thanks Bob for the Cudo's! I haven't considered making one because it would cost prohibited. It cost me very little to make theses pullers for myself because my labor is free to me. I actually made my three blade puller and four blade from the Walter Machine Plate Prop Puller design then made a few changes to make it custom fit to the clearances between the prop and Keel extension. When I saw the price of the Walter prop puller it forced me to make my own puller out of some scrap pipe flanges (3 Blade). I was working at a refinery when I made that one so I had access to a mill in the machine shop. It was a matter of taking dimensional measurements and milling the flanges to correct thicknesses. I am retired now and when making the 4 blade puller which will work on a C28 I just used (2) 1/2" plate carbon steel and heavy duty 1/2" threaded rod with heavy duty nuts and washers. $60.00 in parts + a $55.00 1 1/2" hole saw for cutting metal. + 1 hour labor to make it which was free to me because it was my labor. Part of my pleasure of owning a boat is working on the boat. My wife thinks I'm crazy!!! If I find something I need for the boat I give every effort in making something instead of buying it. I like doing custom installs. Once again My wife thinks I am crazy. I am almost done with a 6 month maintenance and rigging job on our new to us Mainship 34 Pilot which started in October, November and December taking 3 months off to go to Florida for the winter. Starting back up in May and launch date is end of July departing for the Loop in August. The work I have done I could never afford to have paid for. I have always said I can afford to purchase a boat but I could never afford to pay someone to maintain it for me. So Bob If I had the time I would start making some of my tools, custom parts and selling them but my love of boating which includes working on the boat does not give my any extra time. When there is extra time Golf, biking and CUB'S Games!!!