Keeping ropes from your prop

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Just seen the latest Rustler 44 roll out of the factory.
It has a wire from the bottom of the keel to the bottom of the rudder to stop ropes getting up into the prop.

It still has a cutter fitted, but it seemed like a good "belt and braces" approach to me.
If I had one fitted perhaps I would not have had to go diving a couple of weeks ago.

It seems like such a good idea, but not common. Watching all the boats launching in Mylor this week I didn't see a single other one with such a fitting.

Is there a downside that I haven't considered?

[Martin_J]

Aft strop from the boat hoist (crane)... Could have a problem lifting out.

[Neil_Y]

I don't think it would make a big difference as debris can easily be sucked in from the side, it may help if you run across a long piece of line that's quite tight but even then the line/rope will be pulled towards the side of the boat if you have any speed on.

[robertj]

Just seen the latest Rustler 44 roll out of the factory.
It has a wire from the bottom of the keel to the bottom of the rudder to stop ropes getting up into the prop.

It still has a cutter fitted, but it seemed like a good "belt and braces" approach to me.
If I had one fitted perhaps I would not have had to go diving a couple of weeks ago.

It seems like such a good idea, but not common. Watching all the boats launching in Mylor this week I didn't see a single other one with such a fitting.

Is there a downside that I haven't considered?

what a boat wow!

bob

[goskar]

Only the best for Princess Anne

[onesea]

Just seen the latest Rustler 44 roll out of the factory.
It has a wire from the bottom of the keel to the bottom of the rudder to stop ropes getting up into the prop.

It still has a cutter fitted, but it seemed like a good "belt and braces" approach to me.
If I had one fitted perhaps I would not have had to go diving a couple of weeks ago.

It seems like such a good idea, but not common. Watching all the boats launching in Mylor this week I didn't see a single other one with such a fitting.

Is there a downside that I haven't considered?

Personally I agree it is not likely to be much help..

On the other hand is that not how they grow muscles, ropes left around under the sea...

If the boat is for said personnel maybe wire is for other purposes?

[Tranona]

Nothing new, similar things have been tried before, either wire or solid bars as on Vasnvouvers. Not sure there is any real evidence that they are successful. Really depends on what you are trying to avoid - one can see they might push pot lines away or slide over nets. However if you are motoring there is so much water and rubbish being sucked past the prop that it is difficult to see what difference it would make.

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Only the best for Princess Anne

Actually it isn't hers. That one is still in the factory and is looking very good with a navy hull (just like her 36 ) but has some way to go.

The one that is about to be launched is for a private owner who is downsizing from a bigger boat. She is really going to be a stunner and will be the first Rustler 44 with in-boom furling.

Hopefully the factory will take some pictures of her sea trials.

[Stu Jackson]

The number of times one gets something caught in their prop is inversely proportional to the length of ownership time.

Except for that odd time when that law doesn't work.

[webcraft]

The number of times one gets something caught in their prop is inversely proportional to the length of ownership time.

Except for that odd time when that law doesn't work.

<smug mode>
We've had our boat 9 years and done maybe 20,000 miles. Never had anything in/around the prop. Long keel, offset (folding) prop, no problem.
</smug mode>

- W