Does/can anyone use/recommend a prop protector for use in running shallower rivers. I plan on taking the boat into some shallower rivers next year-nothing crazy but id like to do everything in my power to prepare for the possibility of making contact with the bottom. I was hoping someone could share with me their experience in using a prop protector. Im running a 25hp merc on a 14 TDB Classic-losing a few HP is not too big of deal-but obviously I want to keep power loss to a minimum. Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice.
Prop Protector for Running River
- Thread starter Chris F
- Start date
Scott Farris
Well-known member
I've been running a Rock Hopper guard on my Nissan 25 hp for close to 10 years now on a very rocky stretch of the CT River. Not perfect but it's a big help.
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Scott
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Scott
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You're on the west coast. You will be running lots or rocky rivers to chase fish and birds. Go all-in and think jet drive. My fishing buddies who run motors on Maine's rocky rivers have mostly gone to jet drives and are happy.
wendell avery
Active member
Props are overrated. On my 30 hp Merc I lost at least 1/3 of the tip on all 3 blades in the river with no resulting vibration. It even got up on plane!
Tom Scholberg
Well-known member
I like the Rock Hopper too BUT it cost me almost 10 mph on my Broadbill w/ a 25 Evinrude.
Thanks for the advice. Do you see any reason to run a stainless prop vs an aluminum in rocky areas-this will be fresh water.
On the note of the jet drive-is anyone aware of a light (100lbs or less) jet drive? I have a reinforced transom on my TDB so im able to handle the 25hp prop, but i would not have confidence asking my transom to bear the heavier 4stroke model-they seem to weight significantly more.
On the note of the jet drive-is anyone aware of a light (100lbs or less) jet drive? I have a reinforced transom on my TDB so im able to handle the 25hp prop, but i would not have confidence asking my transom to bear the heavier 4stroke model-they seem to weight significantly more.
Scott Farris
Well-known member
Oh you had to start this post! So I searched on my Nissan to see if there was a jet adapter for it. Sure enough there is. Jets seem to cost you 30% hp compared to the prop version. I have already taken the restriction plate out of my carb and reset the timing to get the full 30 hp. If I take off the rock hopper and install the jet.... Oh damn it's tempting.
For your merc. Jet conversions
For your merc. Jet conversions
frank middleton
Active member
Chris, aluminum will get more messed up with less contact, but also will be more likely to protect the internal workings of you engine in the event of a hard hit( high rpm and Big rock). Also aluminum costs less.
That said if it’s an ever present concern, the jet lower unit would in the long run seem to be the better value.
Frank
That said if it’s an ever present concern, the jet lower unit would in the long run seem to be the better value.
Frank
I hunt rivers in Washington. Some are really rocky, others are more mud or sand. If I was running really rocky rivers I would use an aluminum prop and plan on going to have it rebuilt every season. Carry a spare. I used a comp prop for several years, cheap and smooth, not rebuildable. Ive run stainless on my last 3 boats, on water I know really well, and where it is mostly debris and sand. Ive had some pretty hard strikes, and never wrecked a lower unit. Including a strike that tore one of the blades clear off.
Jets need quite a bit more power to get you on plane. And they suck in weeds.
Id be curious of anyone runs a prop protector on a 115hp? Macs River Runner comes to mind.
Jets need quite a bit more power to get you on plane. And they suck in weeds.
Id be curious of anyone runs a prop protector on a 115hp? Macs River Runner comes to mind.