www.iFourWinns.com

My girlfriend and I were heading out to Catalina island off the California coast for the long weekend and were cruising along fine when about 25 miles off the coast I hear a high pitch squeal and lose speed. I immediately throw the boat into neutral and the squealing stops. I go to put it back into gear and at idle it engages the prop and I move forward, however, when I give it throttle the squealing noise starts up and we go no where. Ended up calling vessel assist and had an eight hour tow back to my slip. Thank god I had gotten the gold tow package, but that is an issue for another post. My girlfriend has sworn never to leave sight of land again after being sea sick the entire way back.

My question is this, is this likely an issue with the prop? A buddy told me he thought it sounded like a thrust washer in the prop, and that if I had a spare prop on hand I could have replaced it in the water. I have never removed the prop or, to be honest, looked at how it was put together because my boat is always in the water. I am going to call the boat mechanic tomorrow, but was wondering if anyone had ideas about what it might be. Thanks in advance and hope everyone had a great fourth of July weekend!

PAC Winn
Vista 268

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Pac Winn

First Boat:
2000 Vista 268

He could be right. It also could be the prop hub slipping, which can be repaired by a prop shop. Less likely, could be something wrong with the drive. What rotten timing.

I was out there all last week and was hoping to get out to Catalina but never had time.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

It sounds like the rubber hub is rotted and letting the prop slip under load. If this is the case, fairly cheap repair.

If you carry a spare prop, it is possible to change while out on the water, but care must be taken to not drop the prop, nut, or any tools.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

You could have smoked the coupler also.

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Jimbo
Na. Ga.

2000 170 Horizon LS
4.3GL

What a bummer....

It does sound like your prop to me. Changing your prop out in open water would be tricky, but certainly doable if the seas weren't too rough....

On another note, I had my boat anchored over at Mariners Cove all weekend - next time I'll cruise over to see if I can spot your boat.

Erik

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Thank you for all your input! It was a pretty crappy way to start the weekend, but we got to nap during our seven hour tug. I might keep a spare on my boat for trips like that, just in case. I am going to try and have it looked at this week, and will keep everyone posted.

Evilz I am at the Dana in the b slip on the south side of Quivara basin. Stop by for a beer any time.

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Pac Winn

First Boat:
2000 Vista 268

That is horrible and my decision on which towing package for my new boat has been answered by your post. Thanks and good luck fixing her up. Joe From Miami

Yes!!! Absolutely get the unlimited tow package, especially if you're in the ocean. It would have cost me a fortune to get my boat back to her slip. I can't stress how great vessel assist was.

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Pac Winn

First Boat:
2000 Vista 268