Running to the dam

[Leitsout]

Just curious, when you guys tear up your props, does that do any serious damage to your engine?

[duckydoty]

It can bend your drive shaft and mess up your lower unit

[BredMan]

23 hours ago, Phil Lilley said:

I'm up to 7 this year...

Watched Phil Lilley and guides snake up to the dam many times and use their paths as a reference for myself when I had a 16' jon that would make the trip in real skinny water.  Now have a larger boat and don't go unless there is plenty of water running.  Knowing Phil is up to 7 props just made me more cautious.  I have even wacked a few of those large snags that exist below Fall Creek even knowing they are there and the location.   

[cracklebak]

2 hours ago, Leitsout said:

Just curious, when you guys tear up your props, does that do any serious damage to your engine?

Use aluminum props rather than steel to lessen the chances of severe damage to the internals of the motor in the event of a stump or rock slapper!

[Gatorjet]

My two biggest concerns are weeds, and water less than 6"-8" wher I can run aground. Weeds, and leaves are a pain when they clog up the intake grate. I heve to hang over the stern with a long screwdriver and jab all the slots in the grate clear. Aground is another thing. Not much more than time consuming to get out the folding shovel I carry, and dig a trench to float out. Not bad in the summer, but standing in ankle deep water in frigid weather can ruin my day in a hurry!

The biggest readon I don't run way up when there isn't much water is I don't want to disturb the wading fishermen. Keeping on plane means at least 30mph, and giving it everything if I suspect trouble. Don't think I would appreciate that just a couple yards from me if I were wading either.

[ruthead]

On 12/22/2016 at 10:25 PM, Gatorjet said:

My two biggest concerns are weeds, and water less than 6"-8" wher I can run aground. Weeds, and leaves are a pain when they clog up the intake grate. I heve to hang over the stern with a long screwdriver and jab all the slots in the grate clear. Aground is another thing. Not much more than time consuming to get out the folding shovel I carry, and dig a trench to float out. Not bad in the summer, but standing in ankle deep water in frigid weather can ruin my day in a hurry!

The biggest readon I don't run way up when there isn't much water is I don't want to disturb the wading fishermen. Keeping on plane means at least 30mph, and giving it everything if I suspect trouble. Don't think I would appreciate that just a couple yards from me if I were wading either.

Nice to hear when boaters take into consideration the waders. Thanks Gatorjet!

[Travis Swift]

inquiring minds want to know is Phil himself at 7 bent props this year or the resort as a whole at the 7 props this year?  I've made 2 trips up there and bent one myself.  the upper end really changed a lot last January.  the narrows are bad but the spot between trophy run and the boat ramp got me and I always stay on the right hand side but I guess I didn't get far enough over.

[duckydoty]

We change about 7 props a week at the resort 

[Mitch f]

I could sit comfortably and  watch Hog Wally with his River Pro take me up to the dam at 30-50 MPH and never skip a beat! 6 inches of water is overkill ?

[JestersHK]

2 hours ago, duckydoty said:

We change about 7 props a week at the resort 

7 a week?  Thats crazy.  You guys should decorate a wall with them.