Thread: The latest on the Grey Seal Huon Seal

Arthritis has stopped me from sailing HS , and I can't find anyone to crew with me.
Even the bit of work she needs is beyond me now.
But one thing I'm going to try to address , is the prop.
It is only about 5 yr old , and has been regularly cleaned and painted , either with antifoul , or with "Propshield" the last couple of years.
I've gurneyed the antifoul off the hull , and the prop , but it is quite pitted .
What would be best to do , just replace the prop ?.
Rob J.

I'll see if I still know how to post photos.

I had some women come sailing with me , and they were great company , but when the excrement hit the fan , it was me that had to do the work , my arthritic arms and hands were screaming at me !.
We survived , I guess that is good , but I mightn't be so lucky next time.
Not that there is going to be a next time.
Rob J.

This is the bloke I'd like to see with HS.
He is establishing a recycling business in Perth , and I doubt he would have the time to devote to HS.
But I know he enjoyed his sail on her.
Rob J.Adam HS1.jpg

I've just noticed in the last photo , the paravane is up already !.
Rob J.

G'day Rob
I was wondering how you were going.
Nice to see HS pics.
Sorry to hear the arthritis has got that bad.
Can't advise on the prop.
PAR might have some thoughts.
cheers
Alan J

Thanks Alan.
I'll try and post pictures of the prop later.
And I expect to be taking HS down to Garry Stewart , when he gets back from Scandinavia , I'm sure he will be "on the money".
Regards Rob J.

OK , a couple of photos of the prop.
It was in the water around 7 months , and had been used frequently.


It was well coated with "Prop Shield" , and when I got it home , I gurneyed off most of the crap.

I can't believe the growth it had on it , and the pitting that must result.

Rob J.

Looks like I gave you a bum steer on that prop shield Rob, and am sorry about that.

I'd say pitting is more likely to be caused by cavitation or electrolysis than from any of the build up. If it's only minor pitting I wouldn't worry about it - I certainly wouldn't be worrying about replacing it unless it was so bad that it's unbalanced and you can feel vibration from it or if parts of the blade are about to break off. You could possibly braze and polish the pitting but you'd want to be careful not to take any meat out of the blade and unbalance it.

Greg , thanks for your reply.
I thought I did a top job applying the Prop Shield last time , it really has me beat.
It is nothing like the surface I got using anti foul .
The anode had been replaced , the engine anode had been replaced , it is out on a swing mooring.
I'll take it down to Garry , and see what he reckons.
Regards Rob J.

Here is a photo of the prop before I used Prop Shield , and just anti fouled it.
HS prop 2.jpg

I had an old sailing mate look at the prop today , he reckons the prop shield just didn't do its job.
I think I might finish up replacing the prop.

The prop is still in the "too hard" basket , at least until I get the boat down to Garry Stewart , but first a question.
What is the best way to rejuvenate the bright work ?.
Regards Rob J.

I need to alter the boat supports on the trailer.
Does anyone have experience in this regard ?.
Rob J.

Wooden boats should be supported on the keel, down the centerline, with as many rollers as you can fit on the trailer. Then you use bunks or stands, with bunks being most common, positioned under the bilge and their sole purpose is to prevent the boat from flopping over, when taking corners on the road. These bunks or supports have barely any weight on them - just touch the hull, to keep it upright. If you have an inboard, it's very important to position these bunks or stands directly under the outer stringers or engine beds, so the planking doesn't get distorted.