Welcome to Shaft Lok

Landing Image of a Shaft Lok attached to a Borg Werner transmission

Properly Positions, Locks

and Automatically

Unlocks the Propeller

Quickly and Easily

Without Leaving the Cockpit!

See Our Yacht List! Read Our Testimonials!

ABOUT SHAFT LOK Inc.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53211 USA

Phone: 1-262-786-6800

Sailors enjoy sailing with the "quiet" that Shaft Lok adds to the experience. Shaft Lok locks the propeller in the most efficient position. This will produce the best boat speed, quiet operation and without transmission or propeller shaft bearing wear. The propeller is held stationary regardless of the yacht speed. All that is necessary to unlock the unit is to start the engine and engage the transmission. Shaft Lok automatically unlocks.

Shaft Lok Noteworthy Features

Shaft Lok Inc. History

by Kenneth R. Nigel

July 28, 2023

Dick Badzinski and George Nigel both owned sailboats that would allow the propeller to rotate when sailing, not using the engine. This freewheeling of the propeller would slow the boat, create vibration, noise and cause unnecessary drive train wear which took the joy out of sailing. Both sailors said it was like a dripping faucet which just got on one’s nerves.

Both owners decided to fix the problem! That was back in 1978. I was working at Rex Chain Belt in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the time as a Product Marketing Manager and encouraged them to pursue the invention which they could market worldwide.

Once they decided on the concept design, they built a working model. Around the same time, we contacted a cousin of Anne’s (Ken's wife) in Boston who helped us apply for three patents. At the time we were advised to refrain from going “public” until the all the documents were in the hands of the government.

All three of us put a few dollars into the company to publish a four color bulletin, build a web site and start advertising.

We attended the Chicago Boat Show and set out to visit the Borg Warner booth. Borg Warner was building transmissions for small RV sailboats, probably under 100 feet long. We wanted to find out if BW would be interested in marketing the Shaft Lok Mod I unit. BW had invited their east and west coast dealers to the show. Those people were very receptive. In a few week’s time, we were shipping Mod I units to these dealers in 1979.

We changed from a 2V design to the Easy Lok concept which made locking the unit much easier.

U.S. Patent & Trademark Office:

Patent Number: #4389199

Patent Number: #D271583

1979

Since...

1390+

Units Shipped

50+

Boat Types

23+

Transmissions

2

Patents

Shaft Lok Models

Shaft Lok Mod I

Mod I
Easy Lok

Max Bore Size

1.77"

45mm

Small Sailboats

Boats with engine room space restrictions.

Maximum Bore: 45mm, 1.77"

This a standard stocked unit. About half the size of the Mod II Easy Lok Unit.

It is the smallest physical size but can handle yachts with a maximum propeller shaft diameter of (45mm) 1.771 inches. One of the most popular propeller sizes is 1 ¾” so our new Mod I can handle it.

This was the first unit to hit the market in 1979.

In late 2023 Shaft Lok Inc. upgraded the Mod I with a larger deep-groove ball bearing 6911ZZ by Nachi to include maintenance free double bearing shields. The Basic Dynamic Load Rating is 3,600 Pounds.

The Mod I Housing, is made of hard marine urethane which is imperious to salt air. The unit’s housing will last decades.

The Mod I Easy Lok unit has a 316 Stainless Steel rotating 4.08” (103.6mm) diameter disc with a 45 degree locking ramp. The hub of the unit, in which the propeller shaft is contained is also made of the best material to fight salt air 316 Stainless Steel.

The length of the unit is 7.08” (180mm). The width at the Spring Adjustment Screw is 3.346” (85mm). The required propeller shaft space is equal to length through the bore 1.57” (40.0mm).

Shaft Lok Mod II Easy Lok

Mod II
Easy Lok

Max Bore Size

2.25"

57.15mm

Sailboats: 20 to 100 feet.

Boats with some engine room space restrictions.

The maximum Mod II Easy Lok bore size is 2.25” or 57.15mm.

The width of the unit is 2.00” or 50.8mm.

The Mod II Easy Lok unit is Shaft Lok’s most popular unit. Out of approximately 1400 units shipped since 1979 about 70% are Mod II units. This means the components are usually in stock.

A question frequently asked: “How is the unit secured to the propeller shaft?” There are four 3/8” 9.525mm diameter x 24 thread stainless steel cup pointed set screws in the stainless steel hub that are fastened to the shaft. The shaft needs to be dimpled for which a drill bit is provided. This Mod II unit is about twice the size of the Mod I Easy Lok unit and about half the size of the Mod III Easy Lok unit. Feathering propellers produce more speed when sailing and result in more drive train life.

Shaft Lok Mod II Easy Lok High Torque

Mod II Easy Lok High Torque

Max Bore Size

2.25"

57mm

Sailboats: 45 to 130 feet.

Boats with fewer engine room space restrictions.

Max Bore of 2.25" or greater

This is the largest standard unit that is stocked as finished housings and rotating disc assemblies which can be assembled, tested and shipped in less than a day. This standard unit has the second highest maximum torque (for the highest torque see Card # 5) of all our stocked units which is important if you have a fixed bladed propeller(s).

If your boat has one or two FEATHERING OR FOLDING PROPELLERS with a propeller shaft diameter smaller than 80mm (3.149”) see the Mod II Easy Lok units in Cards # 2 & # 3.

1. The Maximum Propeller Shaft Diameter is 80mm (3.149”).

2. The easiest way to determine if this unit will fit in your boat is to make a cardboard rotor template. The rotor template should be at least 11.75 inches (299mm) diameter with a centered hole equal to the actual propeller shaft diameter. Cut the template into two equal parts and slide one part along the shaft in the area where the Shaft Lok unit is to be mounted. As you can see on the drawing the length through the bore of the unit is 2.690” 68.33mm.

3. The “Easy Lok” means that the rotating disc has a 45 degree ramp instead of a two “Vee” design. This feature makes the unit EASY TO LOCK.

4. This Mod III unit can be locked with a Marine Cable or a Simple Spring Locking System like the other standard units.

Shaft Lok Mod III Easy Lok

Mod III
Easy Lok

Max Bore Size

3.15"

80mm

Large Sailboats

Boats with no engine room space restrictions.

Bore 64mm and smaller

This is the largest standard unit that is stocked as finished housings and rotating disc assemblies which can be assembled and tested in less than a day. This standard unit has the second highest maximum torque (for the highest torque see Card #7) of all our stocked units which is important if you have a fixed 3 to 5 blade propeller.

If your boat has one or two FEATHERING OR FOLDING PROPELLERS with a propeller diameter smaller than 80mm (3.149”) see the Mod II Easy Lok units in Cards # 4 & # 5.

1. The Maximum Propeller Shaft Diameter is 80mm (3.149”). Will the Mod III FIT ? The propeller shaft is installed into the rotating disc assembly that is 11.484” diameter (291.7mm). The radius is 5.742” radius (145.9mm). The rotor template should be at least 11.75 inches (299mm) diameter with a centered hole equal to the actual propeller shaft diameter. Cut the template into two equal parts and slide one part along the shaft in the area where the Shaft Lok unit is to be mounted.

2. The “Easy Lok” means that the rotating disc has a 45 degree ramp instead of a two “Vee” design. This feature makes the unit EASY TO LOCK. See Card # 8.

3. This Mod III unit can be locked with a Marine Cable or a Simple Spring Locking System like the other standard units.

Shaft Lok Mod III Easy Lok High Torque

Mod III Easy Lok High Torque

Max Bore Size

3.15"

80mm

Large Sailboats

Boats with no engine room space restrictions.

Max Bore of 80mm

Shaft Lok Mod IV

Mod IV
Max Dia. 4.33"

Max Bore Size

4.33"

110mm

Million $$$ Yachts

The Maximum Propeller Shaft Diameter is 4.330” (110mm).

The Shaft Lok Inc. Mod IV, V, and VI units are designed for these yachts.

These huge yachts are mostly motor vessels but there are a few sail boats like the beautifully restored schooner S/Y ERNESTINA that returned to New Bedford, MA recently. M/Y Rocket One is a million dollar motor yacht, both of these boats are online. The captains and owners of these vessels like to use one engine when:

A. To dramatically increase the miles per gallon of the expensive diesel… which increases the yacht’s range.

B. Increasing the efficiency of the vessel also reduces the operation monthly hours on the motors stabilizing the yacht’s relative value.

C. Also, it allows the vessel to keep powering while the other drive train system is being maintained. However, the drive train that is shut down needs it’s propeller locked as the vessel is powering on the other motor. Allowing the propeller to freewheel could cause significant transmission damage because the transmission gets it’s lubrication from the engine.

The Shaft Lok unit(s) must be designed to handle massive amounts of torque generated by the yacht speed and propeller size.

This enormous static torque can be achieved by building a strong single unit using multiple standard short pins, the locking pin and spring systems in the housing to hold the large locking pin stationary.

This design of the Mod IV, V and VI is just a simple upgrade from the 1979 patented arrangement. The components are designed to handle the loads involved

Please submit your yacht details including the yacht’s name and contact information for price and delivery details.

Shaft Lok Mod V

Mod V
Max Dia. TBD

Max Bore Size

Determined by application

Million $$$ Yachts

The Maximum Propeller Shaft Diameter is to be determined by the application.

The Shaft Lok Inc. Mod IV, V, and VI units are designed for these yachts.

These huge yachts are mostly motor vessels but there are a few sailboats like the beautiful restored schooner S/Y ERNESTINA that returned to New Bedford, MA recently. M/Y Rocket One is a million dollar motor yacht, both of these boats are online.

The captains and owners of these vessels like to just use one engine at times:

A. To dramatically increase the miles per gallon of the expensive diesel… which increases the yacht’s range.

B. Increasing the efficiency of the vessel also reduces the operation monthly hours on the motors stabilizing the yacht’s relative value.

C. Also, it allows the vessel to keep powering while the other drive train system is being maintained. However, the drive train that is shut down needs it’s propeller locked as the vessel is powering on the other motor. Allowing the propeller to freewheel could cause significant transmission damage because the transmission gets it’s lubrication from the engine.

The Shaft Lok unit(s) must be designed to handle massive amounts of torque generated by the yacht speed and propeller size.

This enormous static torque can be achieved by building a strong single unit using multiple standard short pins, the locking pin and spring systems in the housing to hold the large locking pin stationary.

This design of the Mod IV, V and VI is just a simple upgrade from the 1979 patented arrangement. The components are designed to handle the loads involved.

Please submit your yacht details including the yacht’s name and contact information for price and delivery details.

Shaft Lok Mod VI - Million $$$ Yachts

Mod VI
Max Dia. 6.5"

Max Bore Size

6.5"

165.1mm

Million $$$ Yachts

The Maximum Propeller Shaft Diameter is 6.5” (165.1mm).

The Shaft Lok Inc. Mod IV, V and VI units are designed for these yachts.

These huge yachts are mostly motor vessels but there are a few sailboats like the beautiful restored schooner S/Y ERNESTINA that returned to New Bedford, MA recently. M/Y Rocket One is a million dollar motor yacht, both of these boats are online.

The captains and owners of these vessels like to just use one engine at times:

A. To dramatically increase the miles per gallon of the expensive diesel. This will increase the yacht’s range.

B. Increasing the efficiency of the vessel also reduces the operation monthly hours on the motors stabilizing the yacht’s relative value.

C. Also, it allows the vessel to keep powering while the other drive train system is being maintained.

However, the drive train that is shut down needs it’s propeller locked as the vessel is powering on the other motor. Allowing the propeller to freewheel could cause significant transmission damage because the transmission gets it’s lubrication from the engine.

The Shaft Lok unit(s) must be designed to handle massive amounts of torque generated by the yacht speed and propeller size.

This enormous static torque can be achieved by building a strong single unit using multiple standard short pins, the locking pin and spring systems in the housing to hold the large locking pin stationary.

This design of the Mod IV, V and VI is just a simple upgrade from the 1979 patented arrangement. The components are designed to handle the loads involved.

Please submit your yacht details including the yacht’s name and contact information for price and delivery details.

Marine
Control Cable

Locks the Prop!

2"

As needed

Owner decides location!

This is the second option, besides the Simple Spring Locking System, to lock the Shaft Lok unit.

These cables are all made to order and are available in any length.

The cable prices are included in our formal quotation. The cable is attached to the cap plate on top of the unit. The cap plate is bolted to the unit. The cable can be routed to the helm station. Most live onboard sailors position the cable below deck to protect it from inadvertent use. Pushing on the black knob on the cable will move the locking pin down to contact the rotating disc. If the vessel is powering and the black knob is pushed in the long locking pin working end would be damaged.

Yes, the locking pin can be replaced but it is expensive.

These cables have stainless steel terminals. The low friction liner inside the protective casing provides easy movement of the 0.075” diameter stainless wire which is connected to the black knob. The 0.075” SS wire is also contained in the long locking pin with four set screws. This pin physically contacts the rotating disc through which the propeller shaft passes.

When installing the Marine Control Cable try to keep the number of “bends” and “turns” to a minimum which will keep the force necessary to lock the unit at a minimum.

See the attached Patent Drawing.

Please specify length during order.

Marine Control Cable

Simple Spring
Locking System

Replaces Marine Control Cable

2.5"

Locks Prop from the Engine Room

This S.S.L.S is one of the two devices that lock all the Mod I thru Mod III Shaft Lok Units. It is mounted on top of the Shaft Lok Unit. Just push down on the black knob to lock.

SSLS is inexpensive, easy to install and compact.

To operate the SSLS one must enter the engine room, which may be difficult on some yachts. However, to LOCK the Shaft Lok unit, the propeller must be rotating slowly.

Shaft Lok is an excellent LOCK but as a brake “not so much”.

The SSLS operator should be able to see the propeller shaft easily. Over time the operator will become aware of what shaft rotation speed is required to lock the unit. The sailor can inform the captain if more or less speed is necessary. The Shaft Lok unit automatically unlocks when the engine is started and put into gear. The locking pin, that holds the rotating disc, travels up into the housing allowing the disc to rotate should the captain want to use the motor to move the vessel. The short pin in the housing holds the locking pin in the unlocked position. When the unit is locked the short pin also holds in the locked position. See the Patent Drawing attached: 2 pages down.

Installation

The best way to make sure the Shaft Lok unit will fit is to use a cardboard rotor template cut in half; 4 1/8 inches diameter for the Mod I Easy Lok, 6.75 diameter for Mod II Easy Lok and 11.75 for Mod III Easy Lok unit with centered hole for propeller shaft. Cut a loading slot into the cardboard equal to the diameter of the propeller shaft then use the template in the engine room where the unit is to be installed.

Shaft Lok is a simple device of few moving parts. The upper part of the Housing contains a long locking pin and a short pin with a stainless steel spring and spring assembly screw. The unit is locked with a Shaft Lok Marine Control Cable (S.L.M.C.C.) or a Simple Spring Locking System (S.S.L.S.). The cable is fastened to the top of the housing with the palm knob positioned in the cockpit or where ever the owner decides.

The SSLS replaces the Cable. It is bolted to top of the housing with the Black Palm Knob a few inches above the housing. This means one has to enter the engine room to lock the unit.

Old photo of a Mod II Easy Lok
Two Locking ramps on old Mod II Easy Lok unit.
Full-size drawing of a Mod II Easy Lok
Full-size drawing of a Mod II Easy Lok without the locking ramp.

The lower section of the housing has a deep grove sealed ball bearing, which is maintenance free, contains the Black Rotating Disc & Stainless Steel Hub Assembly. The propeller shaft is installed into this Hub Assembly and secured with stainless fasteners.

To lock Shaft Lok when sailing press down on the Marine Control Cable or Simple Spring Locking System palm knob. The Control Cable has the long locking pin attached to the working end. The long pin engages the rotating disc locking it and hence the propeller from turning.

Inside the main housing along with the long locking pin is a spring loaded short pin that holds the long pin in locked and unlocked positions. The short pin and stainless compression spring is the heart of the unit. Shaft Lok resists the static torque generated by the stationary propeller as the yacht is sailing.

No electrical or hydraulic power required.

Sailors enjoy sailing with the "quiet" that Shaft Lok adds to the experience. Shaft Lok locks the propeller in the most efficient position with one blade vertical. This will produce the best boat speed, quiet operation and without transmission or propeller shaft bearing wear. The propeller is held stationary regardless of the yacht speed. All that is necessary to unlock the unit is to start the engine and engage the transmission. Shaft Lok automatically unlocks.

Before You Order...

Tell us about your boat.

photo by: Jen Theodore

YACHT

  1. Manufacturer:
  2. Boat Length:
  3. Vessel Name on Stern:
  4. Displacement:

PROPELLER

  1. Shaft Diameter: 55mm (2.165 inches)
  2. Diameter:
  3. Number of Blades:
  4. Fixed, Feathering or Folding:
  5. If Feathering or Folding, what is Manufacturers name:
  6. Maximum Hull Speed: (flat seas on a broad reach in 25 knots of wind):

ENGINE

  1. Make:
  2. Horsepower:
  3. Transmission Make and Model Number:
  4. Transmission ratio:

Replacement Parts

Tell us what you need...

photo by: Ries Bosch

How does a Shaft Lok work?

Shaft Lok uses a compression spring to “power” the unit. These springs have a life of several thousand cycles. Shaft Lok Inc. started shipping units in 1979 and we have yet to hear about a worn out, spring. Shaft Lok is a simple device with few parts that do not require maintenance nor any electrical or hydraulic power.

The large ball bearing is placed in the housing mold just before pouring the hot urethane. When the process is finished and cooled the bearing is secured without any fasteners. The bearing is double sealed and does not require lubrication of any kind. The entire unit is made of marine urethane that will last for decades. Urethane is strong and will absorb vibration without failing.

See attached Patent Drawing. The black rotating urethane disc with a stainless steel hub is placed on the propeller shaft secured with stainless hex head bolts. The Spring Adjustment Screw is in contact with the compression spring. A fully tightened SAS generates 100 percent of the spring’s compression force. The short pin is “pushed” into the long pin holding the unit in the locked or unlocked position via the two notches on the long pin.

To lock the unit while the sailing vessel is moving requires that the propeller is rotating slowly probably in the 2 to 3 knots range. If the rpm of the propeller is too fast just easing the sheets or head up into the wind to slow down while pushing on the black knob of the Marine Control Cable or Simple Spring Locking System which ever is installed in the yacht.

To unlock the unit just start the engine and engage the transmission, the extreme torque generated will do the trick without any damage to the disc or locking pin. The two pins are Acetal homopolymer a unique thermoplastic material for use in moving parts in which low friction and long wear life are important. It is a combination of Teflon fibers dispersed in the Delrin resin. This combination produces a material that has strength, toughness, dimensional stability and good wear characteristics.To unlock the unit just start the engine and engage the transmission, the extreme torque generated will do the trick without any damage to the disc or locking pin. The two pins are Acetal homopolymer a unique thermoplastic material for use in moving parts in which low friction and long wear life are important. It is a combination of Teflon fibers dispersed in the Delrin resin. This combination produces a material that has strength, toughness, dimensional stability and good wear characteristics.

Contact Shaft Lok

Where We Work

We'd love to hear from you!

Map to Shaft Lok

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211 USA

Phone: 1-262-786-6800

Email: Shaftlok@att.net

Contact: Anne Marie or Kenneth

Leave a message if the machine answers. We will return your call.

Open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm Central Standard Time.

But, if the surf is up on Lake Michigan those hours are problematic.

For offshore inquiries please indicate exact “ship to” address including zip code with a named contact and phone number. This info is needed to estimate shipping cost.