Ever lost your trolling motor prop?

[Radioactive]

Was on the Rock yesterday trying to catch a few Crappie and learned a valuable lesson the hard way, so thought I would share in hopes of saving someone the same fate.
After a couple of hours and only one keeper I decided to switch spots, so I motored to a new area and decided to use the locator to find some fish or schools of shad. Since the transducer is mounted on the trolling motor, I dropped it in and strated idling around. After a few minutes I spotted several fish, so threw in a marker, killed the big motor and went forward to start fishing.

I pressed the switch on the foot control and nothing. I kicked the speed up a couple notches and nothing but a soft whine, so I pulled the motor up to have a look see and about fell off my seat! Prop, nut and pin were completely gone!
I guess the prop was windmilling in the water and loosened the nut is the only thing I can figure Yes, the prop nut was tight. I usually check it every trip when securing the gear

I like the transducer on the trolling motor, but think I will find a different spot for it after this. I already busted one mount last year when I didn't pull the motor up in time while retrieving a lure near the shore, so not going for a third, and possibly more disastrous occurrence!

[CatFan]

Yep! Fortunately I had a spare. I just fired up the big motor because I was fighting the wind and it was gone in just a few seconds.

[feelay]

been there, done that.

[Fishtaco]

Makes ya want to build one of Cane Poles transducer mounts. LOL

Makes me want to build one... I just need to find a cheap trolling motor bracket.

[Wannabe...]

No...cause the first thing I do when I get a new TM is remove the factory nut and put a nylock on it.

Wannabe...

[REDBOAT]

So what happened? Did it Just Fall off?? I do not see how it windmilling in the water would make it fall off.. wouldn't the prop just spin the same way weather it was under power or not?

[rocket rich]

I'm with the lock nut too. i lost one years ago

[Cane Pole]

No...cause the first thing I do when I get a new TM is remove the factory nut and put a nylock on it.

Wannabe...

Ua smart feller.

[Wiskers]

I lost 2 props in 1 week. The last 1 I put lok tite in the nut. Been on there for 2 years now. Was it a Motor Guide?

[Radioactive]

Yep, just fell off. I guess it is possible the prop nut worked loose since I last checked it, but the windmilling was the only logical thing I could think of that caused it. If the motor happened to turn with the prop in front, as in pushing the boat backwards instead of pulling, I think the water would cause it to spin in the opposite direction than normal. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable than I can comment on that.

You can bet I'll do like Wannabe and put a Nylock on the new one. $30 buys a lot of minners:D

So what happened? Did it Just Fall off?? I do not see how it windmilling in the water would make it fall off.. wouldn't the prop just spin the same way weather it was under power or not?