Let me hedge a bet though by way of correcting myself a little and coming
closer to your corner.

IF you can grab the prop and pull it rearward about 1/4 inch (shaft and
all), then there might be some kind of "spring loaded slop" built in to
allow the shaft and it's gear to disengage from the drive in the event of a
strike from the front of the prop toward the rear.

If such a thing is/was intended - I've never seen it work in practice.

-W

"Clams Canino" wrote in message
news:ISNdb.626408

The ratchet was not in play saving your prop. If it was, you would have
heard a hell of a grinding noise - and not reved the motor at all out of
fear.

-W