MUST READ if you plan on changing prop on G23 with 1 1/4" drive shaft

[KatyTX]

Please don't be as naïve as me when you buy an ACME prop change kit (at your dealers urging - http://www.acmemarine.com/our_props....kend_saver_kit) for your 17" ACME prop on your Nautique G23 (and likely other boats with 1 1/4" drive shaft). The Nylock Nut and Key will not work either.

The standard ACME prop puller (part 228S http://www.deltaprop.com/boat-props/pullers-kits.asp) WILL NOT FIT

The c-clamp like puller is not long enough. You can't just take off the little cup on the stainless steel screw as it needs a way of holding on to the drive shaft. Unfortunately, you need the C clamp like puller to open up about another quarter to half inch more

Lucky for me I only had a minor "event" on one of my blades that was very hard to see, but could be felt as increased vibration. So last weekend not ruined

The standard ACME "Weekend Saver Kit" with prop puller worked fine on my 2009 230.

Robert at Nettle Props (Austin, TX) was extremely helpful. He said that this is a recognized problem and Nautique dealers know about. I was just "inadvertently" sold the wrong tools. So I purchased two sets of Nylock Nuts, Keys and Cotter pins in addition to a different C Clamp that doesn't have the little "cup" to go over shaft. Rather, the adjusting screw has a nipple that fits inside the female end of the drive shaft.

Jeff - Sorry for posting here, but I got absolutely no response when I was asking for help on a different thread. I've got to believe this has happened to others.

Tim

[KatyTX]

Argh. Just barely damaged one of my prop blades.

Even bought a new acme kit when I got the boat from dealer and bought a spare prop.

So while puller fits around shaft, I'm guessing I have a 1-1 1/8 puller.

Guess what? It's not long enough when unscrewed to fit over back of shaft.

Maddening.

Any advice with link on what to buy. Didn't see anything on delta prop.

Thanks in advance.

Tim

[KatyTX]

One last thing. I was using the c clamp type puller. Also the standard acme brass nut in kit didn't seem to fit when I took it off. Just took off to see how new brass nut from "acme kit" would fit. It seems like the right nut, but I was hesitant to tighten as I thought the threads might be different.

[KatyTX]

This is what Nettle Prop sells to dealers that have to deal with this. issue. Note the nice welded plate to hit with hammer. While this puller has a cup on adjusting screw, it's wide enough to work.

[Dwsnautique226]

Are you saying you have a weekend saver kit for sale?

[KatyTX]

^ Nope. I'm trying to warn those who Think they have the right tools for a prop changeout, they may not actually have the right tools. Or said another way, if you uograded to a newer boat, say from a 2009 230 to a 2015 G23, the equipment needed to change out a prop is different.

[nyryan2001]

Ok I've changed my prop 6x? in my 1.25" shaft G23. 15" and 16" props though.

My prop puller is the regular one like you have pictures on the top. Simple modifications to make it work:

1. Took a grinder to open the mouth to fit over a 1.25" shaft vs the standard 1.125". Small 18v grinder took 2 mins.

2. Grind down the "claw" portion of the mouth to fit into the exposed notch of the shaft between the prop and the strut. 3-5 mins grinding.

Grind the mouth out wider to fit over the bigger shaft, and grind it thinner to fit in the tighter notch. Works fine. I can post pics after this weekend if you want, but no need to buy if another if you make these mods.

[KatyTX]

And no need to buy if you own a grinder. I found it easier just to buy a new one and have it overnighted.

But thanks for the "how to". Great idea.

Again my main point was I'm not sure most of us knew the old prop puller doesn't work.

[JoeA]

I experienced the same thing with the prop puller not fitting. My problem was that it appeared to be not long enough so I removed the button like cap on the prop puller and it barely fit on the end of the drive shaft but did work. ACME needs to get it together and recognize that the newer Nautique boats are different and require a different prop puller, nut and key.

[KatyTX]

Joe

So you had same problem. I took off cap too. But when I tightened adjusting screw it was off center and I ruined threads

If you go to nettle prop, just google, you can purchase just the adjusting screw but it will have the little nipple to stay centered.

[Jonny Quest]

Good prop puller is the Iron Man by A.R.E. Can be had at skidim.com

[Tallredrider]

I am not sure how I missed this thread 4 weeks ago. Thanks Katy for the heads up. I deliberately kept my prop puller from my old boat and dutifully have a spare in the boat in case it should ever be necessary to change the prop. Glad I did not have to learn the hard way that it doesn't fit.

Good thought, NYRyan on grinding it down to make it work. Looks like I have some tinkering to do, or just bite the bullet and buy a new one.

I always mention in these threads to put a light coating of bearing grease on the shaft before putting the new prop on, and you won't shout as many expletives the next time you remove a prop. Anybody who has tried to remove a prop that has been mounted for a couple of years knows what kinds of words I am talking about. You will still have to bang on it with a hammer, but not nearly as many times.

[chopp]

Was going to buy one of these for my 2013 210 with acme prop.does anyone know if it will fit this combo without any mods.

[KatyTX]

Tall rider and Chopp

I was surprised as he next guy my old puller didn't fit. The old one was a quarter inch too short in the reach of the "C Clamp". The new one works great with the dimple or nipple that fits perfect on the end of the shaft. I was also naive, even though I had changed four props before, on how most of the work comes from a two pound sledge and not the tightening of the clamp.

[Tallredrider]

Was going to buy one of these for my 2013 210 with acme prop.does anyone know if it will fit this combo without any mods.

Chopp, Yours will work because the 210 has the traditional 1 1/8" shaft, this only applies to G series boats with the thicker prop shaft. I may have one in perfect condition that will fit your boat for sale in the next week...

And another thing to know is the bag is not big enough for a 17 inch prop. That part I did figure out right away. They told me in April that they would hope to have a prop bag big enough in the fall.