sand in the water pump

[Hobiecat16]

I have a 1996 130hp Johnson ...The water pump keeps getting filled with sand. Its used in the bay and inlets and sometimes theres no way around shallow water. Every 4-5 trips I have to drop the lower unit and clean out the hard packed sand. After cleaning it out it runs great and doesnt over heat ...till I hit sandy bottom again ...any sugestions on how to prevent this..

 

[Solittle]

Re: sand in the water pump

Welcome Mr. Hobie - The symptoms you describe point to the helm as the source of the problem and the guy (or gal at it).

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: sand in the water pump

trim up in shallow water.

 

[Hobiecat16]

Re: sand in the water pump

how did i know I would get those type of responces ....Maybe I'll try to paddle across the sand bars ...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: sand in the water pump

We're faced with the same problems here when fishing the flats. The vast majority of flats boats have a hydraulic jackplate to get the lower unit as high up as possible when we need to. I ran in some places yesterday that if I stopped, I'd be stuck.

Trimming up is one thing but going vertical is what helps the most.