Sand Bars

[AJ]

I have a 87 Sea Arrow 18' runabout that I have down at the Lake of the Ozarks. I ran into two sand bars. The first one I tried to power through which was a big no no even with the stern up. The engine got hot while trying to get out. After totally feeling like I just ruinned my boat the temp went backdown. While driving back to the dock I told myself if that ever happens again I will shutdown and trailer the sterndrive meaning up all the way. I would then push the boat out to deeper water. Looking back on these past experences I could just cry not knowing th first time. I am wondering if I need to look at anything on the motor. I used the stern boot to flush the system. I have merc cruser 200hp/v8 with an alpha one drive.

 

[krosemond]

Re: Sand Bars

If you still have water flowing out of the cooling system, and the engine runs at normal temps, then you are most likely lucky and your impeller didn't get chewed up with the sand you pulled into the system. Just watch your temp and water flow carefully for a while.<br /><br />Common sense states that if you are grounded, the best way to find deep water is to get back to the deeper water you were in. Who knows what is on the other side of the bar?

 

[AJ]

Re: Sand Bars

I have it back up in the city right now. I have run it each day after work. I do notice it i run it above 1000 it seems normal. If I run it at Idle a while the temp comes up to half way. I do thing the exhaust manafolds seem a little warm. I seem to get good flow out the back.

 

[captain_cash]

Re: Sand Bars

Same thing happened to me. Only the sand did chew up my impeller. Sounds like you got lucky, but if your engine seems to be running warmer than usual, your impeller might be on its way out. I paid about $30 for an impeller and about $60 for the cam (small plate inside impeller housing). It is a very easy task to do yourself. Reply to this posting if you need help.

 

[AJ]

Re: Sand Bars

Captin_Cash I have had no problems since. I bought a deep finder that has save me a number of times since then. Plus my kids love watching the fish on it as well. I will look you up if and when I need to replace the impeller. Thanks again