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FE Power Forums => Non-FE Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Qikbbstang on August 11, 2012, 04:35:23 PM

Title: Wicked Casting of Stainless Steel Race Props
Post by: Qikbbstang on August 11, 2012, 04:35:23 PM

Routinely sell for $20,000+ for a prop.

  Wild guy grabbing with gloves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvjaoUP5MNU&feature=relmfu

Title: Re: Wicked Casting of Stainless Steel Race Props
Post by: Drew Pojedinec on August 17, 2012, 07:28:40 PM

A set of wheels for the boat I work on are about $75k last time I asked.  We keep 3+ sets around because we go through them at least once a year running shallow water like we do.  Obviously once paid for we just rebuild them.  Sure, not as exact on the balance but figured you might be interested anyhow.

here is a pic of us doing an R&R in 2007 or so in NYC area.
We broke a shaft (28ft 8inch diameter).  I can't remember that boat that well, but I think those were 77 or 81 inch wheels.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/IMG_0260.jpg)

Title: Re: Wicked Casting of Stainless Steel Race Props
Post by: jayb on August 17, 2012, 08:19:00 PM

Now THAT is a propeller LOL!

Title: Drew do those "protection rings" swivel or are they fixed?
Post by: Qikbbstang on August 22, 2012, 08:22:55 AM

The size and omph behind them you got to think it takes a seriously hard bottom or major debris to mess those up.

Title: Re: Wicked Casting of Stainless Steel Race Props
Post by: Drew Pojedinec on August 22, 2012, 08:33:45 AM

bout a month ago we hit a rock at 4knots with 3 barges alongside.  The boat came to a complete stop, all the lines on the barge broke and barges took off downriver.  We bent 3 blades on the stbd side and 2 on the port.

breaking a 8inch diameter SS shaft does take a little work.  The prop was spinning 375rpms and picked up a 1inch diameter wire rope.  immediate stop.  Lotta inertia there I imagine, especially with a 16v149 detroit kickin on the other side.

We also got a tire stuck in the kort nozzle once.   I could go on all day.

Title: Re: Wicked Casting of Stainless Steel Race Props
Post by: lovehamr on August 22, 2012, 03:57:17 PM

"Kort Nozzle"  Had to look that one up! ;D
I can see how a tire would present a problem................

(http://www.imcbrokers.com/userfiles/images/2007/02/patent_drawing_kort_nozzle.JPG)

Title: Drew a welder told me once there ain't nothing worse then working on a Tug Boat
Post by: Qikbbstang on August 22, 2012, 08:56:26 PM

something about how their built for taking on and handling ships many times their size and weight so their hulls are stuffed to the brim with structural beams bulkheads etc etc. and a nightmare to get around below decks..He usually works in power plants and paper mills.
 

Title: Re: Wicked Casting of Stainless Steel Race Props
Post by: Drew Pojedinec on August 23, 2012, 02:12:46 AM

We don't do ship assist.   But yeah, I get how they are a little too overpacked.  I'm the chief eng so I get to live below deck where it is a little too packed.  tugs are like little floating bulldozers.  Of course the very reason it pays to work on them is because it is more uncomfortable :-)  I mean, if it was easy, everyone would do it.

Nothing more fun than pulling heads on an engine when you can't stand up due to the ceiling height.