Prop or motor

[quackenbushjason]

I am fairly new to boating so things arise that i have no idea what the answers are. I have a 14' speed boat, with a 85 hp on the back. The motor and boat of old (late 70's) however still in fairly good condition. The motor runs really good for its age. However i find that if i get into thick weed cover the boat gets bogged down and I find myself bringing out the padels. Is this something that can be solved with a different prop, or is it simply because of the age of the motor? I would stay out of the weeds, but the main thing I use the boat for is fishing, so that is not really an option, thanks

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Prop or motor

Weeds will certainly screw things up. How fast are you trying to get through them ?? A small weedless propped trolling motor would be a big help to you. If you have issues in the weeds put it in reverse for a few seconds to "unwind" the weeds off the prop then back to forward.

 

[quackenbushjason]

Re: Prop or motor

I have tried going in reverse, but it just gets clogged up right away. If i keep the boat at full tilt then i can get through. But if I stop or slow down, then bring out the paddles untill i get through it. There are weedless trolling motors? Maybe i will look into that. Thanks for the info

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop or motor

The Age of your motor is Irrevelant........

Weeds do the Same Thing with Brand New motors as well........

 

[quackenbushjason]

Re: Prop or motor

alright then is there anything i can attach to the motor? I ask because it seems that nobody else has as much difficult as i do. I have been in places where I have seen ppl fish and then take off from, but I seem to get stuck. Any ideas why or is it just the driver

 

[lowe160]

Re: Prop or motor

How low is your motor set, prop shaft below bottom of the boat? This will make a big difference if you are running in a lot of weeds.

Wayne

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Prop or motor

Besides getting tangled in the prob, heavy weed cover can clog the water intakes causing lack of water flow, possible damage to the impeller, and possible overheating. Thick weeds entangle any engine so your problem is not unique. The trick is to avoid them. With a head of steam you can cut the throttle and coast into the weed bed but you still have to power out or paddle out. You could try to put a "knife edge" on the leading edge of the prop. It will help some but won't eliminate the problem.