Boat+rock=expensive repair

[arsenix2001]

So yeah, decide to take my father out for a ride on the upper potomac on his bday, a dammed area about 3-6 feet deep in my tracker pt190 with a 90hp merc optimax. I also wanted to run some fresh treated fuel through the motor (god bless ethanol). 5 minutes in, and just after i said to him ( theres a shoal up ahead) WHAM! feel a smack at about 30 mph. Limp back in to see a bent cracked broken off skeg along with a dogeared cracked prop. Good times! Got a phone estimate of at least 1500 or maybe more if internals are damaged. Get to call the insurace co tomorrow. Maybe ill talk them into installing a jet drive

 

[Scooby074]

That sucks. Chipped a prop before in a lake but never broke a skeg..

Ever think about one of those skeg/prop guards? Ive considered it.

How does that saying go again? B.O.A.T.- Break Out Another Thousand

 

[arsenix2001]

That sucks. Chipped a prop before in a lake but never broke a skeg..

Ever think about one of those skeg/prop guards? Ive considered it.

How does that saying go again? B.O.A.T.- Break Out Another Thousand

:laughing: never heard that one!!! Its always just a hole in the water to thow money at. Yes, definatly getting a rock guard once repairs are complete!

 

[themichelob]

30 MPH in 3-6 ft. of water?? Lucky you didn't put both your heads through the windshields!! I think you got off cheap at 1500 bucks.....Regards, Mike

 

[jsboening]

The definition of a boat: A hole in the water in which one throws money.

I've been there before. A few years ago we were cruising from Grand Haven Michigan to Muskegon after watching the 4th of July fireworks(after dark) when we struck an 8' section of dock. It destroyed a $300.00 stainless prop and $2,800.00 lower unit. Not to mention the $600.00 tow from Sea Tow. Now this was at night with 5 kids ranging from 6-1 years old and smells ranging from dirty diapers on board to vomit. Yes we were bobbing around out there for about 2 hours in 3-4 foot swells before the tow got to us. Now I've got a strong stomach and a love for diesels, but after being towed for a couple hours behind a boat spewing diesel fumes and being jerked from the slacked tow line. I had reached my limit and had to purge.

Now when ever I'm behind a diesel truck that is pouring out black smoke I'm reminded of that night. I may now be the only supporter of diesel exhaust filters.

 

[Western]

Yeah Ethanol sucks, I run a can of Sea foam every tank now

Skeg guards aren't to bad less than $100, may fix that part. May be time to upgrade to a 5 blade speed prop


Can you try a different prop, maybe at a dealer to see if the drive is out of whack? Hopefully the blade acted sacrificial. I'll give you one thing, 30 mph in 4' of water, you got more cahone's than me.

 

[arsenix2001]

I guess I shouldnt mention that 3-6 is the deep section of river :confused2::laughing: This dammed area was relatively safe, but farther north you can get sounder readings of 1.5-1.8 ft this time of year. I used to fly up there at 45mph with a 175 sport jet, but with this outboard its a no no unless you putt along. There were still dangers even with the inboard jet, as there were jagged boulders sometimes sitting 2"below the surface swirling. I had most marked on gps. Its not a sleepy ride, thats for sure. I guess I just misjusged how down the river actually is from drought and was lucky enough to find a "hider". Live and learn. Its getting dropped off at a merc dealer today, they are going to go through and check for internal damage.

 

[jonyyuma]

Living on the Edge is expensive.. I've poured some money into the water myself..

 

[Hughman]

Been there, done that. Often thought about getting a SS prop but everytime I tear up an AL prop I consider how much cheaper it is to refirb a prop than to replace the lower drive unit.

 

[jonyyuma]

yes, and if a stainless prop it can damage the gears or shafts...something has to give. many have opted for the composite props, just in case of rocks..or as a spare..