Prop guard
 

Afternoon everyone looking for some advice on a prop guard. I have a 24 jubilee twin prop 5.3 merc cruiser bravo 3. Also I did not get a owners manual any advice on how to figure out what switches do what. She's my first boat and a beauty at that........:yes_grin::wink_thumbup:

Re: Prop guard
 

Not sure what kind of guard you are looking for Jaz:confused:
Are you looking for something to protect the props when out of the water or while in the water using the boat?

Re: Prop guard
 

And as for a manual, that question gets asked here a couple of times every week. Read this 'sticky' and your query will be answered.

Re: Prop guard
 

We have 3 year old twins and my dad was curious to know if there was some kind of prop guard to somewhat protect swimmers, I know the prop should ever be on while any one is behind the boat in the water...

Re: Prop guard
 

Thanks Mikeyt

Re: Prop guard
 

I'm not sure i've seen anything that would encase the prop in some sort of cage to protect swimmers. I suspect that anything of that nature would affect the water flow around the prop likely leading to reduced performance, cavitation or other similar issues. I figure if the prop is a major concern to anyone they should maybe consider a jet drive along the lines of a PWC.

Actually, the more i think about it, maybe you have found a use for those ugly 'whale-tails' some boaters attach to their outdrives...:rolling_laugh:

Re: Prop guard
 

I just found out what a prop guard looks like and yes it decreases the performance so that's a no on getting one

Re: Prop guard
 

How long have you owned boats? You seem extremely knowledgable ....

Re: Prop guard
 

My opinion Jaz........if at all worried about the kids , make sure drive is down all the way and engine off in nuetral. At least til they and you are more comfortable with boarding.
My one grandson is 7yrs old and I still shutdown to let him board. Probably will for awhile longer too , safety first with the kids. :)
Only guards I have ever seen are for river runners or smaller outboard motors.
Skeg will catch the brunt of most obsticles.
Trick is......don't hit nothin':)

Re: Prop guard
 

I agree with Mikey. i have never seen an inwater prop guard to cover the props. I have seen people that have built extra large swim platforms to reduce the risk of kids jumping off the back of the boat and hitting the outdrive. The only other option is to get a boat with a straight inboard instead of a inboard/outboard. The props on a straight inboard do not stick out nearly as much as an I/O does. And yes, I always turn the engine off when anyone is near the back of the boat. Putting the engine in neutral does not guarantee that the prop still will not spin. (It is not supposed to spin, but if your shift cable is a little bit off, the prop will turn).

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Re: Prop guard
 

I polished my props to a knife edge and last year (prop down, engine off) i had a lil boy slice his big toe open just swimming around the rear end of the boat

Re: Prop guard
 

It does happen , that's for sure. The only real safe way is.....don't swim around or board on the back of the boat.

Re: Prop guard
 

A lot of rescue boats over here use them. Mostly on outboards though.
Can’t say I’ve ever seen one on a bravo three.
They do affect performance as they create drag but that the choice you make
Personally I always shut down if there’s anyone in the water at the stern of the boat

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Re: Prop guard
 

While i can understand the reasoning for the rescue boys using a guard like that, if i had one of those on my boat i would never take it out of the water where someone could see it.... kinda like a whale-tail. :)

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Refer to my avatar....

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Ahh.....come on now mikey.......let's not be shy:yes_grin:

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Thanks guys I am really lucky to have found this club.

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As csterner said, I'd opt for the swim platform. That out drive disappears under the platform which is prob the best way of making it safer... plus you get an extra 2' of boat! Or so...

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Re: Prop guard
 

TBH as long as you do your prop check before starting the motor and pull the kill cord out when away from the helm you shouldn’t have any need for a prop guard.
It’s good to get into a routine when starting the boat. Make people aware of your intentions. And kill the motor when people are entering/exiting the boat from the water
Bottom line, you’re in charge act like it. OH And enjoy yourself :wink_thumbup: