A Day on the lake, throwing an Ear

This topic has 6 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 6 months ago by Jay.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

Author

Posts
December 6, 2008 at 11:12 pm #300039

misr12
Participant

Well, I got bapaitzed with another first fishing out my 2008 BassCat Sabre. Today I fished my first Wildcat out of my boat and what a day! The past two days I prefished with a friend who is very experienced with Etec motors as well as the lake. We were running WOT in chilly 40° weather hitting 63.5 on the GPS. Very happy with two guys over 230. Hes a ranger guy and was very impressed with my BassCat Sabre. He couldnt believe how well it ran and was very impressed with the boats speed. Well today had a lot of up and down on the lake. We were boat #2 out of the gate and off we went in frosty 23° safe daylight temperatures. Running down the lake at just over midway to our best hole my motor started to vibrate and knock violently. To say the least I was quite disappointed. He was running my boat and shut it down immediately. He did idle back to some ledges where we caught a respectable 12.61 lbs 1lb out of the money. He did start the motor up again and idled about 3/4 of mile to next point. My boat idled great, no oil or engine alarms or lights but we stopped and fished for about 2 more hours. We used the trolling the motor the rest of the way back to the ramp (fishing along the way). Well, feeling very upset we did get my boat out of the water only to find one of the three propeller blades missing. Being my first performance boat I was not aware that something like this could happen. There was no visible physical damage to my Etec. Feeling better about the situation I now understand the importance of having two props. One curious question. Any chance this prop could be covered under my one year warranty? I heard two thoughts on this at the ramp. misr12

December 7, 2008 at 1:09 am #300040

Gary Harlan
Participant

Misr12m, you need to take it in and let a shop check the seals in the Lower Unit……vibration could have damaged them…. GHCpt.Gary Harlan (Harlo) USCG Liscd Fishing Guide Tishomingo, MS Roger Stegalls Professional Guide Service Sponsors: BassCat (of course!), Strike King, Falcon Graphite Rods, Gary Yammamoto Custom Baits

December 7, 2008 at 1:53 am #300041

misr12
Participant

Gary, I just emailed my dealer a detail incident report with three pics of my prop. I am taking my boat to him first thing on Monday. Hes a great guy and I trust him on this issue. He will thoroughly inspect my motor for me. Now I understand why guys have two props!!!! This was very weird. I guess I am getting a fury prop now for sure. Ouch on the price tag for that prop. misr12

December 7, 2008 at 3:51 pm #300042

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

WOW, did the Raker II throw an ear? I dont know if Ive ever seen one throw an entire ear. I did have an old A-45 Tempist crack half of one off years ago. It looked like torn paper, the ear was still attached though. The dealer gave me one of those blue “try it props” to run while they worked with Mercury. Mercury ended up sending my a brand new 23 Tempist even though I was running the prop on a Yamaha. They had some issues with those old A-45s. I used to carry a “Comp Prop” back then becuase I knew those props were prone to go bad, I was smack in the middle of Dale Hollow when it let go. I was lucky there are plenty of shale banks to back up too and swap a prop out on. Im glad you are OK, when one throws an entire ear it can get ugly if that metal goes the wrong way!

December 7, 2008 at 7:48 pm #300043

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It is not a common occurance in recent years, though it used to be very common. The Rakers are built for BRP from their molds we understand. Hubs and blades are no longer frequencies as they were in the 70s, 80s and 90s. First is definitely the gear lube as a concern, Second is the seal and the Final check is the propeller shaft for straightness. It seldom takes out a Gearcase, though it can. It should be under Warranty, pending the remaining blades have no nicks or sand blasted blades.

December 8, 2008 at 1:32 am #300044

misr12
Participant

I am very lucky. No cosmetic damage to my motor upon my inspection. I am fortunate my prop blade went away from motor. I am taking to my dealer tomorrow. My prop blades to me looks fine with no visible issues. It will interesting to see how this plays out. misr12

December 8, 2008 at 1:44 am #300045

Jay
Participant

It should be ok or in most cases is. Like Gary said it could have damaged the seals or worse bent the prop shaft. If you shut it down quick enough you could have saved it from damaging itself anymore. misr12 let us know the out come. I wish you the best tomorrow. Oh yeah I got me one of those fancy nets and love it.
Author

Posts

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login Register