We are in a Holding Pattern.

 

Both literally and figuratively.

 

We've had a major problem with our propeller.  We had put on the fixed prop and taken off the Hydralign because I needed to do some work to it.  We found out after the fact that the reason the prop was changed out is that the interior diameter had slightly warped.  Something you can't see with the naked eye or even feel, but it was enough that in mid-RPM reverse it shot the prop backwards off of the shaft key, broke the cotter pin, and shot the prop nut/zinc cone assembly off as well.  It was torqued down very nicely and of course inspected by half the yard residents.  No questions there.  It felt tight but machined parts are very picky to their specifications and even a 16th of an inch (probably closer to a 32nd) change can be enough to couse trouble, we're proof.

I spend part of yesterday underwater and finished off the tank today.  Glad we have a 2nd tank onboard.  The visibility here is about 2 foot and that is generous.  At least there isn't a heavy 3 knot current like in GA when I had to go below.  After that bottom time I have in front of me a 1/4 inch piece of a cotter pin that was still inside the shaft.  That's it.

So we now have no spare prop and have to now scramble to find another end nut assembly.  It won't be more than $20 but...this is Christmas weekend.  Next week is the magical week when seemingly everyone we will want will be on vacation.

So we can't go forward.  We can't go in reverse.  We can sit here at the dock and make hay while the sun shines.  But wait, it's supposed to rain for the next 3 days.

When I wasn't underwater I was at the wire-wheel and with the Dremel removing several burrs from the prop (bronze is soft), doing some maintenance on the inside gearing, and re-pitching (changing the angle) of the blades.  Good news is I did manage to get the prop back on the shaft, shaft zinc in place, and held in with locking nuts.  Tomorrow we begin the quest for a castellating nut...if none can be located then we will scour Home Depot for one that can be installed and will work correctly until a stainless one can come.  That we can get off the dock and get back to budget again.  At least Green Cove Springs Marina is helping us with a few days grace time and a very reasonable rate.

Heather just said I look like I've been beat with a stick and that made me laugh out loud.

We'll be at GCS through Christmas for sure.  I'm not even going to say out loud when we might be underway.  "If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans."