kelp and motor props?????

[islandguy2]

I have a 50 hp suzuki OB, and I am used to boating in hawaii, but the kelp here has got me worried....I do see guys with their boats completly in the kelp beds with bigger boats than mine, but Im wondering is it ok to drift into the kelp and then start my engine to get out of the kelp????Will this ruin my motor
or what???????

[islandguy2]

kelp in the motor

[GeordyBass]

http://www.spursmarine.com/

maybe that might work?
or weld a knife to the back of the lower unit

something like this:
http://www.allcoast.com/discussion/ViewTopic.cfm?page=1&startrow=441&topic_ID=94009
scroll down and you'll see it.
http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=62323

[islandguy2]

ok but is it ok to go thru it slowly without anyknife or cutter???? i see guys in there all the time

[GeordyBass]

ok but is it ok to go thru it slowly without anyknife or cutter???? i see guys in there all the time
I wouldn't do it. It'll tangle on your prop and might break the seal in the lower unit.... Oil will seep out and Bye bye lower uint..... I would rather spend $200 for the cutter ;-)

[islandguy2]

yea i figured that but I just want to get close to the kelp and my anchor does not work in the areas i want to go i think maybe i need a longer line for the anchor or something.

[fisherman from long beach]

you need a long chain connected to the anchor and the rope.more chain the better.

[DockRat]

What you do it work the openings in the kelp. No need to power thru the thick stuff if you can go around.
Sometimes I'll put up the motor and drift over the kelp or put the motor partially up so the stringers will slip off.

What yo do have to watch is the pee stream. Had the high temp alarm go on due to some kelp over the intake. I use a electric trolling motor to kick the boat around in the kelp.


you need a long chain connected to the anchor and the rope.more chain the better.

1 1/2 times the boat lenght for chain. 20' boat = 30' chain.

Never seen a kelp cutter rig. Save your money.
DR

[DockRat]

yea i figured that but I just want to get close to the kelp and my anchor does not work in the areas i want to go i think maybe i need a longer line for the anchor or something.


Go to Wilmington Boat Movers off Anahiem St in LB. They part out boats all the time and have piles of chain all over.
Good place for hand rails and fittings too. Buy new and get burned.
DR

[dixoncider]

One problem with outboards and kelp is the fact that the water intake can get blocked by kelp and you may overheat. Just keep and eye on the water coming out of the engine if it stops pissing remove said kelp...As far as line cutters on your prop..the one's for straight shafts work pretty well.