Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

[mgmidget72]

Hi all,

Just starting the process of looking around for my first boat. In general, I?m looking for something in the 16? ? 20? range with at least 90HP for skiing and general recreation. I?m open to either closed or open bow. For towing reasons, it has to be < 2000lbs. Budget is < 5k.

Where I plan to keep the boat has about a 7? tidal range, with low tide being almost 0 depth so the boat would regularly be sitting on the bottom (soft mud). Fortunately, the location is VERY protected and there are no waves or chop at all.

With this in mind, what should I look for in a boat? Are there certain features that would be better suited for this set-up than others? Would this set-up make any difference for brand choice?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

Something with outboard power

 

[grahamh]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I would get either and I/0 or an outboard, (which it sounds like you are anyway) that way you can pull the motor up so that the boat's not resting on its prop.

I

 

[robert graham]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

assuming this is salt water, then I'd be more worried about the motor than the boat. how will you flush the moter out with fresh water? the salt water/salt air will be hard on the motor if it just sits out there on the mud bar. I have an 18' aluminum(.100" thick hull), all welded, OD green, jon boat, not all that pretty, but durable and I can spray paint with the OD camouflage paint all I need to. Something similar to that would probably work well for you. My son runs a 40HP Yamaha in the salt water and sprays the motor down all the time with WD-40, inside and outside, and it really helps keep most of the corrosion down to a minimum. Just some ideas. Good Luck!

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I would prefer outboard just to keep things simple and light, but have not ruled out I/O all together. Either way, I would keep the prop raised up so, as you said, it's not resting on it. Resting on the prop seems like a quick way to ruin a transom.

I heard once that it's not recommended to keep an I/O in the raised position. Any thoughts on this?

Other than the engine, anything else to worry about?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I heard once that it's not recommended to keep an I/O in the raised position.

The bellows will stay stretched the whole time. I tend to believe this speeds up them failing. On my I/O's at home they are always in the down position. They only go up for trailering.
I think you will be happier with an outboard.

 

[BF]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I imagine getting pushed in the mud might be tough on accessories like speedo pickups and transducers that normally are mounted on the transom. As for I/O's, I think when my mercruiser Alpha one is tilted all the way up, the lower unit is still lower than the keel line (but I'm not 100% sure) OB's definitely can be tilted up higher. If the LU's water intakes were clogged with mud/gumbo, it could ruin your day/season.

How would it be secured during these crazy swings in depth? Is there a pier or something? or anchored? Interesting problem. How about making some kind of floating platform with bunks (?)... not too buoyant. Maybe 4 barrels.... So, the boat sits on the platform (which floats), but when the tide goes out, the platform rests on the bottom and the boat sits on it. (?) Or maybe this is the winner for the crazy idea of the week (?).

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

Sounds like a good spot for a boat lift...do you already have a dock?

If not a keelguard may help protect the hull from the occasional scrape on a rock

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

Thanks for all the input.

Definitely sounds like outboard will be the way to go. For the size and price that I'm looking, I doubt there will be much in the way of accessories, but I'll keep that in mind if there are any.

Regarding securing the boat - I don't have a dock yet, but will hopefully be building one this coming spring. I would love to have a lift, but it's too expensive right now (am I mistaken? roughly how much are they, including installation?). I plan to have a small float to tie the boat to with some whips to hold the boat out. I may look into attaching some sort of cradle or bunks to the bottom for the boat to sit on. I would just need to make sure it was lined up correctly. Fortunately though, the bottom is very soft without any rocks.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Lund]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I would be worried your hull would get stuck in the mud, then when the tide comes in it would stick and flood your boat. It would be like stepping in mud with your boots. It can really hold if its soft.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I know this sounds odd but it worked.
I used to have a place at the lake with no lift or dock.They would lower the lake several times a year and my boat would be stuck in the mud.

I set 6x6 posts in concrete when the water was down.I used old fire hose for straps that ran under the boat from each side to the posts.
That way when the water went out the boat was hanging about a foot off the bottom.
I later replaced the hose with those big blue ratchet straps.That way i could raise it more if needed.
Yea,it was a poor mans boat lift...

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

Gary - Thanks for the idea. I'm sure the straps are more forgiving than a cradle or bunks if it's not perfectly lined up.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

It really depends on where you are at on the pricing. I know on the inland lakes, you can find 4-5K lbs boat lifts for a grand or two. Probably get the whole thing purchased/installed for $5K or less.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

This summer a buddy of mine bought a used lift for a 3000 pound boat for $800. He and a couple of helpers are able to move it into the lake in the spring and back out in the fall. If at all possible I believe I'd go that route.

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

This is great news - I thought they would be a lot more expensive.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I know this sounds odd but it worked.
I used to have a place at the lake with no lift or dock.They would lower the lake several times a year and my boat would be stuck in the mud.

I set 6x6 posts in concrete when the water was down.I used old fire hose for straps that ran under the boat from each side to the posts.
That way when the water went out the boat was hanging about a foot off the bottom.
I later replaced the hose with those big blue ratchet straps.That way i could raise it more if needed.
Yea,it was a poor mans boat lift...

I commend you for your ingenuity That sounds like a nice little setup with just a little work and $ for materials.

Good luck finding a boat lift midget if you are patient I'm sure you can find a good used one.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I commend you for your ingenuity That sounds like a nice little setup with just a little work and $ for materials.

Good luck finding a boat lift midget if you are patient I'm sure you can find a good used one.

Thanks!
It did work pretty well.
I padded the 6x6's and had just a couple of inches on each side so the boat was always centered.
I switched to the ratchet straps so i could lift it enough to scrub the hull a few times over the summer.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

I am a low tide mud master. Salt water, obviously.

get an outboard.

Don't worry about flushing the motor; it's great if you can but many salties never do, because they can't. Granted the motors last 20-30 years instead of 40-50 but that's tolerable. And don't use WD40 around salt water-it attracts salt.

Lots of people keep their I/O's moored and tilted up due to barnacles, but that's not to say it doesn't stress the bellows. I wouldn't own one in the first place due to the catastrophic risk of bellows failure, especially on a boat you leave moored. Get an outbaord.

You boat can sit on the mud all day every day no problem. It won't get stuck. Just be sure there is no debris under there. The exception is if you have any thru-hulls on the bottom, such as a water intake for the live well. Transducers should be OK but I don't know for sure. But generally, mud rinses off when you drive.

I love the boat sling set-up.

Here is an issue: when you expect freezing temps you need to keep your lower unit down and in the water to keep it from freezing--when it is tilted up it holds water (which is one reason you lower your motor on a trailer). But you can't tilt down and have the LU sink into the mud regularly b/c it will clog the intakes and possibly the exhaust. So your design may give you trouble over the winter. Still, get an outboard.

You also say your low tide is "almost 0." Think about your hull design, especially since you are boating in skinny water. My 19' carolina Skiff (J series) draws about 4-6" (motor up, unloaded and floating at mooring). I think my 21' deep V is about 15". Aluminum of course is lighter, although salt water is harder on them. A relatively flat bottom shallow draft boat may be what you want for your use. One with an outboard.

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Regularly Sitting on the Bottom ? Is This a Problem?

Home Cookin' - thanks for sharing your experiences.