[Jaztwnz]

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........

[ColoradoDiablo]

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

[mikeyt]

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.

[Jaztwnz]

Originally Posted by ColoradoDiablo

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

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...

[Jaztwnz]

Thanks Mikeyt

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by Jaztwnz

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...

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...

[Jaztwnz]

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

[Jaztwnz]

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

[ColoradoDiablo]

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'

[csterner]

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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