Prop shaft direction
Knowing the direction of your shaft can be helpful in some situation. Even if you know, marking it is helpful. It's very easy to do on the Outbound, since there is a Plexiglas shield over the shaft.
This is the story of our mishap in a marina during our Kiel Canal passage.
We came in late in the afternoon, and everyone were enjoying sun-downers on the aft deck or in their cockpits. We had all eyes on us. Being an American boat far away from home probably made the Germans and the Danish look extra to see how we did. We did very poorly...
On our way in between the piles, I (Anders) missed the pile with the stern line, then concentrated not to advance straight into the dock... In my left eye corner, I suddenly saw the stern line rapidly get pulled out. Realizing it was in the prop, I instantly put the gear in neutral hoping it wasn't too bad.
Neighboring fellow boaters was very understanding, asking if we should try to find a diver or how we would solve it. Others just enjoyed the free show by the clumsy Americans.
Knowing how easy access it is to the shaft (and with our intercom on), I asked Anette to hold the line and tug it slightly. Turning the shaft from the "Garage", I heard Anette say "- no, wrong direction". I then rotated the shaft the other way, and Anette could just coil the line slowly as it came out. There was very big eyes from the other boats, thinking "that American girl is strong!"
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