Changing props

[tonyjh63]

Question: is it possible/feasible to change props on an Alpha 1 Gen2 while in the water? Got a few props I wanna try, and was wondering if I could back the boat up to the shore and change the props that way, or will I need to get it up on the trailer each time? Thanks!

 

[markhodges78]

Question: is it possible/feasible to change props on an Alpha 1 Gen2 while in the water? Got a few props I wanna try, and was wondering if I could back the boat up to the shore and change the props that way, or will I need to get it up on the trailer each time? Thanks!

I've done it from a dock and leaning off the back of the boat. Just depends on the boat but you may get wet all way to your shoulders

 

[muc]

Yes, I've done it many times.
Tie a rope to the wrench and your wrist so you don't drop it. And be careful about not losing the thrust washer.

 

[Alumarine]

Put it in forward gear to remove prop and reverse to install (or maybe it's the opposite).
Best if you have spare hardware in case you drop parts in deeper water.
If the water is not calm it's a bit trickier as the boat moves.
I've done it leaning off the back of the boat. Depends on the boat.
You can buy prop wrenches that float.

 

[Scott06]

Yes, I've done it many times.
Tie a rope to the wrench and your wrist so you don't drop it. And be careful about not losing the thrust washer.

This ! Ive done with a life jacket on in middle of lake , dont loose the thrust washer… sticks with grease to prop hub… always good to keep a spare hub, thrust washer etc on the boat

 

[Scott Danforth]

Get a floating prop wrench and an extra set of hardware

 

[QBhoy]

Yeah. Do it all the time. Either at beach shallow water…or at the jetty wirh bow pushed out and stern in, with engine turned towards. Main thing to watch out for is the thrust spacer washer sticking to the back of the prop and falling off when removing prop. Make sure it stays on the shaft or get a hold of it if it sticks. Put the boat in gear one way then the other accordingly

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I too, have done it,..... droppin' any parts can be a problem,.....

Also,greasin' the prop shaft underwater don't work that great either,....

 

[flashback]

I raise the drive up to max put tools and parts in a bucket and hang it off the back, then jump in with a life jacket and go for it. And like the guys said above, grease the prop splines and tie the wrench to your hand and keep track of the parts..

 

[harringtondav]

...repeating above: Keep your eye on the hardware. The first time I did this at a river beach I couldn't find the thrust washer. Panic. It was stuck to the removed prop.
After that I carry a spare thrust washer and other hardware with my spare prop.

 

[QBhoy]

Oh yeah…and if you doing it from the jetty side…try and get a deep socket for the nut…or prop key (if fussy)…otherwise it’s often a worry around the socket slipping off the nut…just as you’re putting some force on it to line up for the locking tabs…whilst finely or not so finely balanced over the water’s edge…had a few close ones before now