Floating debris

[Speedwagon]

So, if you see floating debris, and it looks like you might hit it, what do you do? Run at it straight, or make a last ditch effort to avoid it? I ask, because I think I must have hit a log last week. I have 2 blades of my brand new prop that are bent at the ends. And a few times I was out, I saw some logs(about 1-3 inch diameter), and one time I came very close to, if not hitting one(I was doing about 25mph probably).<br /><br />So I was wondering what most people do when they see this stuff. Hit it straight on, and hope the drive unit deflects it, or bank right/left to go around it?

 

[ufm82]

Re: Floating debris

It depends on what it is- I think if you are buzzing along and suddenly see a piece right in front of you, just stay straight and hit it. That way it will hit the front of the L/U and hopefully deflect downward. If you crank the wheel over and don't have a no feedback system, it could jerk the wheel out of your hands or even break the steering cable. Obviously the best route is to be looking well ahead of where you are to avoid such obstacles. If the thing is large enough to cause a lot of damage I don't think there is much you can do. I would most likely kill the throttle and try to swerve but that sounds easy and we all know it isn't sometimes. In some boats that can even be dangerous. It can also depend on where you are. Sometimes a last-minute swerve can put you in someone else's path. Otherwise, I don't know which option I would choose in the heat of the moment. <br /><br /> I have hit things while running and have yet (knock on wood) to take any damage from them. I do run an SS prop and that will take a little more hit than an aluminum prop.

 

[alden135]

Re: Floating debris

Generally, you want to avoid running over logs with your boat. Sometimes however, running over debris may be the safest thing to do depending on sea conditions, boat traffic, etc. You'll have to use your best judgement on a case by case basis when you see debris ahead. Don't capsize your boat trying to avoid a small stick. Props are easily replaced while passengers.......<br /><br /><br />Also, don't forget you can always cut the throttle back.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Floating debris

Doing 30 or 40 knots in even a gentle swell or small angry chop, you're often hard put to see any semi submerged object in time to take any action at all.<br /><br />My eyes flick all the time from the rev counter, the passengers, the pee hole, the surrounding water (for other boats), the wake of other boats, the water right in front of me, and my course and bearing. <br /><br />If I manage to see a bit of debris before I hit it, I count myself fortunate. So far, just a couple of bangs and no damage.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Floating debris

A 1" to 3" stick is far from what I would call a log. A decent prop should cut through something like that without any damage. I've seen a lot of things floating that would damage a boat - a complete tire and rim, pieces of dock, telephone poles, etc. <br /><br />First off try and pay attention to what's all around you. Making a radical turn all of a sudden can put you into the path of another boat. If you boat long enough your going to hit something in the water.

 

[bayman]

Re: Floating debris

I would think it depends on the following (some of which has been pointed out already):<br />- the debris<br />- your boat<br />- how fast you are going<br />- power (outboard/outdrive/jet etc..)<br /><br />I used to have a super slow, larger boat that I wouldn't even care if it did hit a log. At maximum speed of 7 knots, a log wouldn't have done anything to it. One of my current boats will go right over a log (if planing) with no problem. If I were to slow down then that would be a problem!<br /><br />So, I really think it depends on the circumstances.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: Floating debris

Ok. So does the hull push objects out of the way as well? Obviously, it's pushing water to the sides somewhat. But would it push somewhat smaller debris out to the side as well then?

 

[Ron G]

Re: Floating debris

what kind of boat and motor are we talking about?

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: Floating debris

I have an 88 Sunchaser V170 bowrider, with an I/O alphaone drive(that looks like jaws had his day on the skeg).

 

[KilroyJC]

Re: Floating debris

It also depends on the angle of the opject.<br /><br />If it is perpendicular to your path, it is not going to be as easy to avoid as something laying along your path. <br /><br />HOWEVER - <br /><br />If you were to catch it end on, it might just punch a hole. . . and I think I'd rather have a lunched prop than a ventilated hull.<br /><br />Be aware, & be prepared.

 

[daaw]

Re: Floating debris

While out last weekend I also hit a log that had to be partial submerged because I saw nothing. My speedometer was stuck at 32 MPH but no other damage? I ran the boat for about 20 more minutes and everything seemed OK. After I got home I found that a pinhole (speed pick-up??)on the leading edge of the motor was plugged with wood. Took several hours to clean it out. Hope that was the only damage.

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: Floating debris

I boat on a river that has a lot of dead heads (floating or partially submerged logs) so one must keep vigalent. Sometimes though you just don't see a floater until your right on it. What I do is quickly swerve one way to miss the object and then back the other way when I'm about half way passed it. Kind of like whipping the boat around the object. Actually in a way kind of fun. Change in path is minimal and no other boat should be that close anyway. Of course I do stay aware of where other boats are around me in the first place.