In the Boatyard

Got d' Fever at Stones Boatyard

Space was available by Wednesday at Stones Boatyard and our appointed time for haul-out had arrived.  Once again we made our way along Newcastle Island Channel to the boatlift and Got d’ Fever was lifted out of the water and gently set down on large wood blocks and stabilized with iron supports.  As is typical in boatyards, a ladder was provided to access our boat during our two-night stay as well as providing for electrical hookup.  

Taking off the Lock Nut

Stones personnel got busy removing the starboard prop as we looked on.  First, the lock nut and the securing nut on the shaft were loosened with a large wrench.  The lock nut is removed while the securing nut is backed-off but not completely removed.  Then a “puller” device is added around the shaft both in front and behind the prop.  Because the shaft is tapered and the hub or center of the prop is also tapered, the two have tightened together over time making the prop difficult to remove, thus the need for a “puller.”  It’s also important to leave the securing nut on while removing the propeller due to the energy or force that has built up.  

"Pullers" front and back of the Prop

A loud pop can be heard when the propeller finally comes free; the securing nut keeps the prop from literally flying off and hurting or cutting someone!  The process was fascinating to watch and we appreciated being forewarned about the loud pop. 

Polishing the Shaft

Once the prop was lifted from the shaft it was sent off to the shop for reshaping.  Being made of bronze, the prop would be reshaped by treating it with heat.  In the meantime, Leonard and I worked on other projects like changing the zincs, a much easier task when the boat is out of the water.  

Leonard changing a Rudder Zinc

As mentioned in previous blogs, zincs are sacrificial metals attached to the underside of a boat so that electrolysis will not eat away at the boat’s vital metal parts but instead eat away at the zincs.  Got d’ Fever has 9 zincs in all: 2 on each propeller shaft, 1 on each rudder, 1 on the transom, and 2 on the bow thruster.  

Cutting off a Shaft Zinc

When Leonard was replacing one of the shaft zincs, he discovered that the head of an Allen Wrench had broken off inside the screw that holds the zinc on; this no doubt happened when the zincs were last changed by the scuba diver. 

Allen Wrench broken off inside Zinc

Leonard used a  Dremel tool to cut it free; it definitely would have been a problem trying to change this particular zinc under water!  

Waxing the Boot Stripe

Our other project was to wash and wax the “boot stripe” around the boat.  The colored boot stripe, located just above the water line, is much easier to care for when the boat is out of the water.  It was a big job especially on such a hot day.  Of course we made use of the wash rooms, showers, and laundry facilities while staying at Stone’s Marina & Boatyard.  Eating out was also convenient with two pubs and one restaurant right next door! 

The Repaired Prop

Friday soon rolled around and our prop was delivered, good as new and installed by trained boatyard personnel.  

The Launch

Now all we had to do was wait for high tide, T minus 60 minutes to launch.  Got d’ Fever was launched around 4pm and we took her out on Departure Bay for a test run.  We ran her at various rpm’s checking for any vibration or other anomalies; she was happy to be running smoothly again.  We anchored for the night off Newcastle Island and would head north first thing in the morning.