Something like this (a knife fixed on a rod) could be useful in some cases, depending on accessibility/visibility: http://www.sula.as/images/MaritimProdukt/propellknivstorENG.jpg A few boats are constructed with an inspection hatch for the propeller (but a sizeable tube will take up space in the lazarette). There are several types of shaft mounted rope cutters available. (Full disclosure: I run a small side business where I promote one type of those shaft mounted knives.) Thorstein Midttun "NORNA" -----Original Message----- From: passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com [mailto:passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of Georgs Kolesnikovs Sent: Sunday, October 30, 2005 8:38 PM To: Passagemaking Under Power List Subject: [PUP] Ice Dancer 10/30/05: Excitement at sea Email relayed from Ice Dancer en route from Hawaii to California: At 7:30 last night, I was napping and Gail was at the helm when all of a sudden the main engine stopped its usual purr and pilot-hourse alarms started blaring. With flashlight in hand, the problem was confirmed: a drifting fish net had wrapped into our propeller and choked the engine. I tried cutting it loose by the light of a flashlight in one hand and a knife in the other, while holding my breath. It soon became apparent that we should wait for morning. We drifted through the night and early this morning pulled out the scuba gear. By 6:30 we were cut loose and, thankfully, there was no apparent damage to the engine, transmission or drive shaft. We were off, again. At 7 a.m., we are at 29 04N 139 08W, steering 68 degrees true at 7.5 knots. While suiting up with the diving gear, we noticed a little shearwater had landed in the cockpit for a little rest. Maybe it was our good-luck charm. Lots of excitement. Dick and Gail Dick and Gail Barnes Ice Dancer Nordhavn 50 #22 _______________________________________________ Passagemaking-Under-Power Mailing List

A sheetrock knife kept very sharp with a little lanyard attached is very useful to cut things away from a prop shaft. If you're not familiar with one of these, it's a little knife with a sharp curve or "hook" at the end. You can get the tip under whatever you're cutting away and have tremendous leverage to cut with, using the back of that curved blade. Keith _____ If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. ----- Original Message ----- From: "VANNHANDEL.NO" <post@vannhandel.no> > Something like this (a knife fixed on a rod) could be useful in some > cases, > depending on accessibility/visibility:

< http://froogle.google.com/froogle_cluster?q=Boye+Knife&pid=4709277296119291081&oid=3418180388800059526&btnG=Search+Froogle&scoring=p > Looks like a good solution, though it may lack leverage. Ron Rogers