Patent ID: 6067697
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: B63B,B63H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for removing a propeller assembly, fastened to the hull of a swimming vessel, from an opening in the bottom of said vessel, said propeller assembly comprising an underwater section, including a propeller, and a top section inside said vessel coupled to power means for driving said propeller, said opening provided with a watertight hoisting chamber with an open top extending above the waterline inside said vessel and surrounding said top section of said propeller assembly, said underwater and top sections having therebetween a flange element for tightly sealing said opening, said power means being located outside said hoisting chamber and coupled to said propeller assembly by means of a removable gear shaft, said gear shaft being adapted to extend through a passage in said hoisting chamber, including the steps of:releasing said propeller assembly from engagement with said power means by removing said gear shaft;sealing said passage for said gear shaft in a watertight fashion;unfastening said assembly from the hull of said vessel;securing hoisting means to said top section of said assembly; andlifting away said assembly through said top of said hoisting chamber.