Inboard prop guard?

[ssanddemon]

Gonna buy used boat soon for skiing, general messing around. Would like to have an inboard (Specifically a Correct Craft) due to the terrific economy and simplicity of the system, but I frequently get into shallow water in my current boat (MonArk bass sled). Does anyone know of a guard to protect the prop, or am I going to need to get a jet boat? (I refuse to deal with i/o's or outbards ever again) I am aware that there would be losses is speed and economy with a guard, but the idea of the prop and rudder just hanging out there gives me the willies. Any help appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

You'd better go Buy a Jet....

 

[ssanddemon]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Been looking for a while for mention of one but haven't seen any. Guess a guard would not be feasable in relation to water flow thru the prop, huh?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

How shallow if you please? You bottoming out in your bass sled?

 

[ssanddemon]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

I do a fair amount of running around in the rivers and bays on the Oregon coast. Often have sandbars, logs and etc. popping up where nothing was a week ago due to the heavy rains we get here. So I know that even if I'm careful, it is only a matter of time before the prop and rudder get pounded. Realistically, I know an inboard draws way too much water for this but getting grounded is nothing like shearing off a prop(at $400 repl. cost). Yes, the skeg on my little Yamaha 30 horse is well polished.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

There's Alot of really Solidly build Aluminum hulled Jets up your way.....<br />Some of those River Racer type boats are Pretty Awesome.... The way they bounce them off the Rocks, <br />The Logs,+ Sandbars you're dealing with, Will be a piece of cake....<br />Rarely see them over here....

 

[ssanddemon]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

Bondo and Snapperbait, thanks for answering me, first of all. I've see from previous skulking that you guys are very knowlegable. Yes, there are a few jets for sale around here, but with the measly 5k I have to spend, I will be relegated to the mullet-hairstyle '70's muscle class of jet boats. That's ok for me, but my friends will have to hide so as not to be seen by others. O well; if it floats, I'll be happy.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

I agree with Bondo... Think thats what i'd look at as well...

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

Definitely not an inboard. By the sounds of where and how you run, you'll be bying a prop, strut, shaft and rudder in no time. That could set you back more than your purchase budget.

 

[Squirterguy]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

<--- owner of "mullet-style 70's jet boat". hahaha No offence tho. I agree that you need to find a jet to suit you and your area, just expect to learn how to drive all over again. They can be steered well slow, but you have to learn how. I've been driving 1 since '78, it was dad's then. '78 Taylor SS / 454 chevy / Berkley 12JF / "A" impeller. The worst thing you'll likely tear up on a sand bar or floating snag, unless you hole the hull, is sand can be tough on aluminum impellers but with polyeurethane wear rings out now, it's not nearly so bad. You could snap a trim cable if you have a really good accessory called a "jetovator". It allows you to trim the nozzle angle up and down and has many trimming uses. You could snap this cable on a rock or log if the rudder hangs down far enough -some jets have a small rudder atatched to the bottom of the nozzle to help low speed steering. Cable costs $60 to $100. Impellers cost $250 to $600 stainless there. Aaron

 

[Squirterguy]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

Besides ssandemon, once you fall in love with that 70's 'glass, and 60's muscle, you may need new buddies. hahaha The only part that bites is taking a 454 Chevy to the gas station. I'll trailer up before I ever stop at a marina and pay 75 cents a gallon EXTRA for fuel. Heck, I burn up about 5 gallons an hour just skiing or tubing. Don't like to think about how fast the gas gauge drops when I drop the hammer because somebody in a bass boat wanted to see how fast I could go. I like bassers, it's just that 80% of my races in 26 years have been bass boats. Haven't lost to one yet.

 

[ssanddemon]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

Thanks for the input, Aaron, much appreciated. Since I sold my '66 Buick Riviera 2yrs. ago, I've been itching for the sound of a big block. Couple of ?'s: is a Jetovator like a Place diverter? If so I gotta have something like trim control-hard to beat 100 ft. rooster tails! About slow speed speed steering, do you have to give throttle after cranking the wheel to turn? Looked at a '74 Glastron /Carlson CVX19 today.-Divorce sale, wifey wants to screw hubby. He was almost crying into the stack of receipts he has for this boat.

 

[ssanddemon]

Re: Inboard prop guard?

Another Question, Aaron. Does your boat really get mileage that Horrible? Is your BBC really pumped? The 455 in that Carlson dyno'd at 460 H.P. Would mine be as bad/worse? Gotta think @ this. (My little bass boat goes all day(tubing,etc.) on 5 gals.) Gotta pay to play, I guess.