Restricted lake 10mph -

[geedubcpa]

I am going to a restricted lake where it is 10 mph all areas of the lake - I have a 1997 mercury 115hp - Probably running a few hours at a time - do I run a risk of overheating by running that slow - just wondering as I have never really had to do this before. My boat is an 18 foot aluminum hawkfisher - so pretty lightweight.

 

[speed_demon]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

You will probably be fine but if you're worried get yourself the lowest pitch prop you can find to get the rpms up.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

That sucks man!! It will probably be hard keeping that aluminum boat down at that speed. I have a little 4hp longshaft auxillary motor that I use for slower speeds. Your motor has a temp alarm, yes? If it does then just keep an eye on it. How often are you going here, is this a one time deal?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

I's not going to overheat. Your water pump is submerged with a good head of water over it. Your engine isn't generating that much heat anyway. Your biggest problem will be to keep your speed down. How do the lake cops know you are doing 10 or better? Radar or wake? You can drag a storm sock behind you which might help . Get a galvanized bucket and cut the bottom out of it, attach a toe sack (potato sack used to transport potatoes, burlap) with the end closed and that will help.

Mark

 

[steelespike]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

10 mph requires about 3,000 rpm just a little less rpm than planing speed.
As long as you have to go slow; reduce to about 6 mph and use less than half the fuel.

 

[gbrowne9]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

i have a 1989 115hp merc and have idled or just above for extended periods of time with no problems.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

the bigger issue will be carbon build-up in the motor--and the temptation to let that big dog eat.

 

[gm280]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

We have different lakes around here that restrict the engine HP sizes to 10 HP on state lakes and 20 HP on some other lakes, and their reason is to keep folks from water skiing on them for the most part. But how can they restrict to 10 MHP speed. That would have to be extremely hard to enforce in my opinion... I've taken my Bass boat with a 115 Mercury on one of those lakes restricted to 10 HP. but I tilted the motor up out of the water and used my trolling motor. The rangers were watching me the entire day that I was there. Sometimes they ask for your prop to be sure you don't use your larger engine. But I would not give them the prop. I mean if I were at the upper end of the lake and some serious emergency occurred, I'd crank that big boy up and come in in a hurry and take the ticket...

 

[steelespike]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

I think we're missing the obvious 10 mph is an abnormal speed but not a particularly abnormal rpm.
If you lookup typical 115 tests those reporting various speeds including about 10 mph rpm is usually at about 3000.
I'm sure many of us probably cruise for hours at rpm close to that we're just on plane and running ever so slightly
higher than 3000.

 

[geedubcpa]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

Thanks for all the great responses -

I am not sure how they enforce the speed limit

My brother fishes there a-lot and says for the most part it looks like people obey the law.

 

[gm280]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

Thanks for all the great responses -

I am not sure how they enforce the speed limit

My brother fishes there a-lot and says for the most part it looks like people obey the law.

When you see restrictions like that, it usually is because there are some insane folks that don't use any common sense so they have to make rules and laws...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

I was on the Tohatsu site today and they have 3 idle speeds for their larger engines (75 thru 115) so you can dial your own for trolling; 700, 800, and 900. After reading the specs on that 115, it's no wonder Liz stuck with the brand. Oh and the new season has started and the reality tv script writers have ruined Swamp People like they ruined the others that aren't worth watching any more. May not sound like much but running some quick numbers you can cut your rpms by about 30%. That will surely help.

Mark

 

[Outsider]

Re: Restricted lake 10mph -

and the reality tv script writers have ruined Swamp People like they ruined the others that aren't worth watching any more.

You mean Swamp People was worth watching...