The big nut does the work and should be next to the prop.  The smaller nut is a lock nut, tightened down against the larger propeller nut.  The entire assembly is prevented from spinning off with a cotter pin.  Some configurations don't have a lock nut but a large castle nut for the prop with a cotter pin run through that. 

Double zincs are cheap insurance.

Chuck

On Tue, Dec 29, 2009 at 10:00 PM, Rodd Leeds < ([email][/email])> wrote:

Tor and the group-
 
I noticed in your close up of the prop that you placed the larger nut closest to the prop.  I have always placed the smaller nut closer to the prop.  Can anyone chime in if there is any difference or doesn't it really matter??  Also, what is up with the double zincs? 
 
Rodd

Post generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum

I don’t know what’s officially right or wrong regarding the prop shaft nut sequence. Rightly or wrongly, I’ve always thought of the smaller one being the lock nut, and so I did what seemed sensible to me at the time. Six months and 2,500 n. mi later the prop is still on the shaft. Frankly, I suspect either way will work about equally well, and with the cotter pin through the outer end as a failsafe, who cares? Nothing’s coming off. Anyway, my point was the protruding cutlass bearing for easier future removal.

Besides, I like to think both my nuts are big enough for the job – whichever one comes first.

🙂
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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This was a hot topic for the North West Marine Surveyors about two or three years ago. Michigan Wheel liked the small nut first and then the big nut. Saying that I have not seen any problem eather way as long as all parts are cleaned and torqued to specs.