Line cutter

[jdathena]

The other day we tested our propeller line cutter (Disk-type with razor-sharp edge).
Typical scenario i went to the bow and released the mooring lines, my wife at the helm, while having a conversation with a passing boat she motors over them.
We immediately lost power but to my amazement we were free and clear drifting away from the mooring ball.
The line cutter did what it supposed to do, It was able to slice through two 3/4" By 10 Ft. long mooring lines.
I dropped anchor and took a dive, the propeller looked like the Gordian Knot, i had to pay a diver to cut the wrapped line but we didn't suffer any damage to the drive train system, shaft or propeller.

[davidc]

The words ; Horse, door and bolted come to mind.
presently I have a rope cutter as described sitting on my desk - one week after being propped (by myself) and having to dive and release.
Will fit it next time I have the boat dry

[Zanshin]

I know what you feel like, take a look at www.sv-zanshin.com/CatchingFishPot.html

[bottleinamessage]

I installed a Spurs Marine line cutter several years ago. We've gone through the lobster fields in Maine twice and crab fields in the Chespeake and FL keys several times. Try as you may, sooner or later you'll catch one. Ours has worked flawlessly.

[davidc]

The type of line cutter that traps line between a fixed blade and a rotating blade bothers me a little.
My SO29.2 has a 25mm shaft and about 20HP engine, if the rope cutter traps a hard line when motoring fast, is it likely to bend or in some other way, damage the P-bracket or shaft or hull?

Regards

David C

[Zanshin]

I think that the weakest link in your scenario would be the 20hp engine, it would stall first. And if the rope cutter doesn't work as it should then you are no worse off than if you didn't have one in the first place.