Prop Flop

In the process of dismantling the southwind I couldn't get the coupler off of the prop shaft. I decided to pull the prop instead and pull the shaft through the bilge Since the engine is on the floor behind the boat. Once I removed the cotter pin the castle nut was a little more than hand tight. I held on to the prop and smacked the end of the shaft with a dead blow hammer a couple of times and it came right off. Is this an indication of some kind of wear on the prop or shaft? Was it just not tightened correctly? Nothing looks out of whack or wallered out.

Great thread...this one will be bookmarked for when the boat gets put back together.