Loss of propulsion

[Indulgence25]

Here is the problem: I have a 1972 Ericson 27, A4 power plant. I was motoring at about 3.5 knots, engine running fine. I decided to give a very slight increase in throttle and there was no response...the engine increased in rpm/still running fine...but no power forward. Moving the transmission lever into neutral and back into forward proved to no avail. I quickly raised the main and sailed back to the marina under sail only. In my slip at the dock I again started the engine, put the transmission into forward and into reverse, but no response/propulsion in either direction. I checked to see if the shaft coming out of the transmission was turning and it was. I have not been able to go under the boat to check the propeller.

Have any ideas as to what the problem might be?

[Don Moyer]

Hello,

Thank Goodness for sails, huh?

I think we'll need a bit more information before we can fully understand your situation:

1) Are you saying that when you're in either forward or reverse the engine RPM responds to throttle movement as though the engine is in neutral?

2) Do you feel a normal (solid) detent as you engage and disengage forward?

3) When you have the engine in forward, are you hearing any clunking or grinding noises?

Don

[Indulgence25]

Yes, thank goodness for sails, indeed...good chance to use/sharpen my light wind sailing skills in tight quarters of the marina.

Our son helped us out yesterday by going below (with scuba gear) and checking out the situation. As I had shared earlier, the engine and transmission, and the shaft coming out of the transmission, all seemed to be in working order. To his surprise, the nut which holds the propeller on the tapered shaft was intact, as well as the cotter-pin, but there is no propeller (and obviously no "key" in the slot on the tapered shaft).

I had the boat hauled out of the water last June for a "bottom job" and nothing was said about the propeller showing any stress fractures (doesn't mean, of course, that there were none present) .

Anyway, I am in need of a new propeller and key. Do you have any recommendations for me as to the following:

- Two or three blade prop? (I want better sailing performance rather than motoring performance)
- What blade pitch and diameter?
- Was there a standard shaft diameter on the 1972 Ericson 27's?
- Can you supply the proper propeller? Costs?

Thanks for your response!

Hoping to be sailing again soon,

Indulgence25

[Don Moyer]

Hello Indulgence25,

For direct drive Atomic 4's, the three-bladed 10 X 7.4 prop from Indigo Electronics has been getting the highest marks for quite a few years.

You can check their web site at atomic4.com, or call 1 (800) 428-8569 for details.

Regards,

Don

[Indulgence25]

Many thanks, I will check with Indigo Electronics...the site looked good and the propeller could help a number of issues to be cleared up, reading from the letters submitted in support.

Thanks again for your quick response.

Hopefully sailing again soon,
Indulgence25