Changiing both props while in the water in the canal.

We hit some drift wood at 20+ knots that Sandy did not see in time, so we had to stop to change props.

Amy had to get in to help Dad by holding a piece of wood that keeps the props from turning while Dad turns the wrench. Hopefully Sandy does not drop the wrench as we are in 16 feet of water anchored in the middle of the canal. There are two props on two shafts, one inside the other on a Volvo duo prop stern drive.

A lot of pieces and tools not to drop and amazingly we did not drop anything. As you might imagine we ended up with a few extra parts that seemed 'not needed'. Actually the one of the two screws holding the zinc anode around the prop shaft had fallen out so we could not put that zinc back. But as we are in fresh water and electrolysis is not much of an issue we do not really need it. After trips to two Lowes stores since then and a Home Depot and West Marine, Sandy finally found the right size screw, in brass since EVERYONE was out of the stainless one he wanted. So if we have to change props again, we are ready. We started with 3 spare props, now down to one, so we ordered a match for the one to make a set and are having it sent to Jim's friend in Montreal, who we will see next Friday when we drop of Jim and Carol. Jim and Carol, Sandy's brother and sister in law joined us yesterday, Friday the 13th in Syracuse. We dropped Amy off at the Buffalo airport after visiting Niagara Falls and then drove back to Syracuse to pick up Jim and Carol.

The old props pack in a much smaller space than the new ones took up--how handy.

Sandy put on a vest because the 74 degree water was getting cold after 40 min., even though it was very hot out.