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1985 40hp prop protection?

J

John Stables

New member
I have just recently purchased a new to me bass boat and on my first time out on the river I hit several rocks and took a chunk out of my lower unit and dented my prop pretty bad.

I was just wondering how to avoid tearing up my prop so bad. I've heard of people welding a pitch fork to their lower unit to protect against rocks but I would much rather buy something I could bolt on for protection.

what have you guys done?
 
Not being a wise ass, avoid shallow water. What ever you attach to your lower to protect it will end up in your prop when you hit rocks. Just stick with aluminum propellers.
 
If the pitchfork didn't make you laugh out loud and you're going to continue running similar rivers, you might want to consider a jet unit. Power loss is actually only 30% so your motor would become a 40/28hp, you would also need to raise the motor about 5in on the transom.
 
mphelle said:
If the pitchfork didn't make you laugh out loud and you're going to continue running similar rivers, you might want to consider a jet unit. Power loss is actually only 30% so your motor would become a 40/28hp, you would also need to raise the motor about 5in on the transom.
Click to expand...

I would really like to look into a jet pump could I convert my current engine? Or would I need to swap out the whole thing. I was looking at a few skeg protectors on cabelas website and will likely purchase one soon as a cheap safety for now. And the pitch fork did make me laugh at first...

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boat..._l=SBC;cat104794380;cat104752980;cat104517180
 
It's easy to convert but a new jet pump is expensive, keep an eye on ebay or craigslist for a used unit. The more difficult part is raising the motor 5in on the transom, either building it up or adding an adjustable lift kit. I've used several aftermarket lower unit protectors on small outboards in the past, Mac's river runner wasn't bad but again, small motor, low speed. You didn't say what size boat you purchased but that motor will push almost anything 25-30mph, if you hit anything at speed, anything you attach to the lower unit quickly becomes shrapnel. I've attached a link to Outboard Jets, the FAQ is a good read.

http://www.outboardjets.com/index.php
 
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