Slowing my boat for trolling

[kmaub]

"Hi there,
I was wondering if

"Hi there,
I was wondering if I can raise the transom up to slow the boat down. I need to slow to 1.8 to 2 mph. Will this cause damage or will it be ok? I don't want to put on a kicker motor or an electric motor either. I'v tried drift socks and still can't get below 3mph. Does any one have any suggestions?

Thanks for any replies."

 

[Ben Crey]

Throw a couple of 5 gallon pai

Throw a couple of 5 gallon pails out

 

[thostorey]

"I don't know what boat an

"I don't know what boat and engine you have, but you might try lowering the idle rpm."

 

[kmaub]

Sorry I forgot to put that it

Sorry I forgot to put that it is a AQ 125a with a 280 outboard.
Yup did the 5 gallon pail thing already. I will try the Idle thing though. What RPM should I be at for idling?

Thanks

 

[capncrunch]

"Rick, Your just going to have

"Rick, Your just going to have to play with the idle adjustment to find the best compromise between speed and performance. What I did was turn it down while running. Unfortunitly you might find that in order to be at the right trooling speed your enginne is stalling out. You definitly cannot run a 280 outdrive tilted. This can damage universal joints, rip bellows etc. An other option you might considr is going to a smaller prop but this will definitly affect your top end. I would reconsider that kicker moter. It sure is nice to have a back-up out there and it saves alot of wear and tear on the main. Good luck"

 

[el_pescador]

"I would not lower the idle sp

"I would not lower the idle speed below the recommended setting in the operator's manual. There are flaps you can attach to the outdrive and lower them when trolling. Try to search for one of those (or make your own if you are crafty enough).

https://www.savvyboater.com/p-35-easy-troller-trolling-plate.aspx

And whichever way you go, I would install a kicker motor anyway (even if just for safety)."

 

[kmaub]

Thanks for your help guys.
I

Thanks for your help guys.
I was going to play around with idle but I just love the way the this boat runs and I don't want to mess with the tuned up engine and at 4.5 mph the baot mechanics in my area are telling me this is the way it is supossed to run. Don't mess with it! They recommend the different prop as well but tell me you have to really watch the RPMs
I have been flipping back and forth on the kicker motor idea and I think this is the way I'm going to go in spring. Although I like the trolling plate idea thanks for the site. For the last couple of outings this year I think I am going to use the drift socks (a little research) or my version of one.

Thanks again for the response!