What Are Advantages/Disadvantages to Chrysler?s L/U Stump Stabbers

[wickware]

What Are Advantages/Disadvantages to Chrysler?s L/U Stump Stabbers as I hear them called? During the recent North, TX drought I am dealing with many stumps which means very low trolling to drifting is my means of moving. With fishermen that know lakes, I?ll move up to a higher troll but today that was a mistake. I have hit many stumps w/o any noticeable damage (as today) vs the shock to the motor and me. A low to medium troll has been the key to no damage IMO.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: What Are Advantages/Disadvantages to Chrysler?s L/U Stump Stabbers

Stump stabber, heh? Technically, they are called skeg and the main purpose is to provide protection for the prop in low water and also from floating debris. With a missing skeg, the prop hitting a stump will surely caused damaged either to the prop or to the lower unit gear.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: What Are Advantages/Disadvantages to Chrysler?s L/U Stump Stabbers

I think he's talking about the point on the front of the drive.
The point helps cut the water,less drag.
Benifit? Maybe a bit faster? They used to race the older chryslers.
Frank and a couple of the others have/use the older drive. Maybe they'll add something.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What Are Advantages/Disadvantages to Chrysler?s L/U Stump Stabbers

The old "Stump Stabber" lower units were the first generation and were streamlined to a point. This was probably an effort to emulate nose cone lower units for racing engines. It was probably a marketing ploy since nose cones (even if retro fit with low water pick-ups) do not show markedly better performance until you reach speeds over about 60 MPH. BUT, Evinrude and Johnson had them, even longer than the Chrysler lower units.

So, technically, with a smaller engine like the 55, there is no advantage, while on the down side they do collect weeds and other debris much easier than newer rounded nose gearcases. In heavy weeds, this does foul the prop and cause an almost complete loss of thrust.

BUT---They do look "prettier"

 

[Jiggz]

Re: What Are Advantages/Disadvantages to Chrysler?s L/U Stump Stabbers

Oh I see. He is referring to the "bullet" shape of the lower gear casing. My bad. Obviously, as Frank explained it is to reduce drag which usually doesn't count into effects until you reach certain high speeds.

 

[wickware]

Re: What Are Advantages/Disadvantages to Chrysler?s L/U Stump Stabbers

Thanks To All! It took some searching and years to ask that question due to not seeing any stumps relation vs striking them.

My approach is to stay away from them but with lakes 6? low that is a challenge if you fish. Next, I try to go forward only at the lowest rpm shifting in and out of gear just to keep moving. The killer is to hit one when you think you are in open water in a medium troll. Totally letting the 35 horses out is out if you h/n seen the lake?s bottom which we have see in some sections in 06. It?s hard to believe how tuff some 50 yr old stumps/trees can be in lakes.

Initially a trolling motor was the key with 8-10 trips per summer only. Now the 4-5 spring/summer trips are made w/o a troller.