[Public-List] Props catching seaweed - distance from bearing to prop

[Jeffrey]

Hi everyone,

Quick question, how much space is there between the outside edge of
your boat's cutlass bearing and the front of the prop hub?

I'm considering getting rid of my Campbell Sailor prop, due to the
fact that it is always wrapped with seaweed. We'll go from 5 knots to
2 knots and the vibration is maddening. I can't motor for an hour
without needing to stop and run in reverse a few times to try and free
it up.

I thought it must be something specific to the prop, perhaps because
it is so small and tucked behind the keel deadwood in the rudder
aperture, but I've read many other people use this same prop in
similar full-keel configurations without issue.

So what makes this setup such a seaweed magnet?? Too much space
between the bearing and hub?

See: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HtlO8CP49Wk/TAuL7Fnh1EI/AAAAAAAAEzM/TMWtazwd4A0/s640/IMG_5733.JPG

I never had an issue with the old prop setup (large blades):
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KorB6HLgpH4/S6fKmJTw-jI/AAAAAAAAEro/t25Wbd5GW08/s640/Cutlass-earing-018.jpg
Note that when the boat was in the water, I had a shaft zinc just in
front of the old prop.


I'm wondering if it would help to put a shaft zinc in front of the CS
prop? since this is where the seaweed tends to collect.

I'm open to any suggestions. I don't really want to buy a new prop,
but this is maddening!!

-- 
Jeffrey Fongemie