Like many of you, I have been following a recent forum thread discussing whether or not lobster pots should be regulated. This got me thinking about the damage they can cause to your vessel and prevention methods. One option for many boat owners is a rope cutter at the prop. I was very impressed by the Stripper at the Southampton Boat Show.
Before you get too excited; I am not talking about a buxom wench taking off her clothes. No, I am referring to the Stripper propeller protection available from Ambassador Marine. It consists of a rotary cutter that's attached to the propeller shaft to cut away dangerous obstructions while the shaft turns. A fixed cutter is mounted in bearings integral with the rotating cutter which the manufacturer claims creates a powerful shearing action as the blades pass each other. A striker plate mounted in the stern gear locates the fixed cutter, whilst also allowing the shaft both axial and radial movement.
Acclaimed as the winner of Sailing Today's 'Gear of the Year,' in the hardware category, the Stripper has a remarkable reputation. In Sailing Today's group test, the Stripper impressively chomped its way through a selection of lines including monofilament line and 20mm polyester as well as polyester netting. Even I was able to get through some considerable pieces of rope at the Ambassador Marine stand at Southampton by twisting the prop by hand, with not a motor in sight.
And the reason it sounds so much better than other rope cutters on the market? Well its makers claim the patented blades are where the secret lies. The very sharp ragged teeth that extend to the top of the blade come together in a scissor action. I wouldn't like to be anywhere near one when it was going at full pelt - they certainly look as if they would be a force to be reckoned with!
Prices start at £252 plus VAT for a conventional shaft or £341 plus VAT for a saildrive. The MainSail team are hoping to do some more rigorous testing on it soon, so watch this space.
For more information, visit www.ropestripper.com.
