| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Mad Harold |
Posted - 06 Jun 2017 : 12:04:08
Having hit canal junk twice and badly damaged my prop,9.9 Yamaha and had it repaired by Streamlined Props [good as new] I measured the depth of the prop installed.27 inches from waterline to tip of skeg.Seems a bit deep but consulting the Yamaha handbook,it states,"cavitation plate should be level with or within 1 inch lower than the hull"Distance from the cavitation plate to tip of skeg is 12 inches,so with N20's draught of 14-15 inches,it seems the installation is about right.
As well as a 9.9 my boat has a 6hp Yamaha on a trapezium mount,[depth from waterline to tip of skeg,20 1/2 inches.] I quite enjoy using this,and having damaged my other prop I feel a bit wary of using the 9.9 engine now that I am getting used to the tiller,[it was like trying to push a marble uphill with a pencil at first]
Out on the canal last week,water like glass,sun shining,watching the bow ripples,and thinking this is perfect,I turned slightly to port to avoid a clump of foliage,and ratatatat! the prop had hit something and the outboard kicked up.Hellfire,another propstrike! The 6hp Yam hangs loose untill you engage reverse,the 9.9 is locked down all the time,although there is a lever to unlock it for raising.It is possible to wedge the lever down leaving it unlocked,but reverse will be unusable.
Checking the 6hp prop found some scouring of the tips.People at my mooring are quite sympathetic,but they are all steel narrowboaters,with a draught of about 18" and their props turning within the confines of the hull,advising me to buy a narrowboat saying "yoghurt pot" boats are not really suitable for canals.I think they have a point,but narrowboats are mainly liveaboards which I don't need.I want a boat for day trips along the canal and an occasional overnight,and the N20 fits the bill nicely.
I can raise the trapezium mount about a third of its travel and chain it in position,giving a prop draught of about 15" and I will try this when the weather improves.
I feel at the moment,that reluctantly and sadly,I am going to put "Hereward" up for sale and have done with boating,and find another hobby.
Someone talk me out of it please. |
| 4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Marmag |
Posted - 08 Jun 2017 : 17:09:38
I no all about lack of water. I have a volvo engine in my 22 widebeam unknown to me when my prop was striking the bottom it was kicking up all the fine sandy gravel and other crap. My water pump was suckling all this junk up blocking the heat exchanger causing the engine to over heat
I had to strip the whole lot down. The strainer filter was totally useless against this deluge of crap.I ended up breaking the tower that holds said strainer costing me over three hundred quid for new parts.I was disgusted at the price of a plastic part and rubber washers.I have since had to fit a large in line filter. It just goes to show these boats were not made for canals.
Mark pugh |
| cliveshep |
Posted - 08 Jun 2017 : 14:25:23
Have to agree with Dave, rivers are more boat friendly in the main.
Having said that generally speaking and given the profile of most canals which is like a saucer cross-section (yes I know, we all use mugs these days but I'm sure you remember Mummy's best china tea set.) it is deepest in the middle. So if you can stay in the middle and avoid the sides generally you'll be fine.
How hard is it to unlock the 9.9 so it can kick up and lock it again if you want to use reverse? I assume N20 means a Norman 20, is that the boat? If so I suppose you might have a loose-fit panel across the outboard motor well to remove first. Still, if your chosen waterway is a partially flooded tip that might be your best move.
Finally living the dream!
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| df |
Posted - 06 Jun 2017 : 15:56:19
Can you find a local proper river and leave the canal to the ditch crawlers, I think most rivers are prettier anyway.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
 Visit leomagill.co.uk |
| philihun |
Posted - 06 Jun 2017 : 15:54:57
You must be in an unlucky stretch of water mate. I have had my share of bumps and bangs, mostly when new to boating but in 1500 miles of river and canals i have only grounded twice and just dinked the end of two blades. At least plastic boats were designed for pleasure, the rusty coffins were meant for cargo not self opinionated king's of the canal. They might be throwing there old dishwashers overboard.
pr hunt |
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