Smallies and woodchipping in the Northwest

I went thru this during the spring. I have the pictures of this same type of wood in the stats in my profile. I pulled my stats 2 times in 3 weeks. I eliminated my problem by purchasing a low water plug kit. It was easy to install. Took maybe 45 minutes to install. It is a mercury part. And dont void any warranty. I didnt even lose one pound of water pressure either. I have had no issues since I installed the plug kit. And Im strictly a old river rat!. I was just thankful I had a Merc monitor!P.S. Nice bronzy!Last edited by Redngoo on June 23rd, 2016, 3:35 am, edited 1 time in total.2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

Sweet fish! Any pics of the 8 pounder??

Fish Doc wrote:What an awesome fish, You post a lot of nice smallmouth Mike. Very fertile or very well managed lakes out there. And have replaced my thermostats twice now. Not a fan of the low pick-ups either. The low water pick block off is a simple project. Pull lower unit just as you would if you were putting a waterpump in. Pull shift cover 4 bolts. Install 2 plugs. From water I seen. Wood the size of pencil erasers can pass through them ports. Surprises me you dont see this more often. Those stats arent cheap either!. Low water plug kit under 502013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

For what it is worth, I spoke at length with Don Weed, at European Marine, the Mercury board sponsor and guru on the BBC, and he has a completely different view of this plug issue.His strong opinion is that they can restrict water flow and cause potential cooling and water flow issues. I cant comment either way, as I am NOT a Merc guru, but Don is, and he does not recommend this option. Like others on here, I am NOT a fan of the 4 holes, low water pickup in the torpedo nose, but not sure what the solution is.Not trying to start an argument here; just sharing information from someone who has serious creds in the Mercury world.

Yea kno argument here. I talk to the people at mercury. After doing the job myself and talking to several big name mercury mechanics asking many questions. The plug kit and where the plugs goes is away from the original holes mercury has always used. I monitor my temp closely along with my water pressure. Ive seen kno change in either and been running it since febuary. Every certified mechanic I talk to and none in my local area by the way. Ask was I racing the boat. Why know Im not. Told them my prop to pad measurement they all said the same thing. YOU WILL BE FINE!. I weighed my personal options. Im in a river 95 percent of the time. So for me plugging it off was better than pulling the stats and compressor screen ever couple off trips. Glad I have. But then again each has its own opinion. Again mercury said it void NO WARRANTY so I dunno not kno.2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury