Fishing line in prop FYI

[Pherris]

Every year at the end of the season during the winterizing process they pull the prop and check for fishing line. Well this year apparently I picked up some tip up line(the black heavy stuff) now I do check the prop area every time I load the boat and had not seen any visible line however this line was far onto the prop shaft and not visible to me. Well apparently because the line is so heavy it did not break down and actually wore through the seal and allowed for water intrusion into the lower unit and rusted the bearings causing some of the gear teeth to break. Now I need to replace the lower unit. Not cheap on a new motor. I have filed a claim with my insurance company and am waiting to see if they will cover it if not it will be an out of pocket expense. OUCH!! Anyway from now on I will pull my prop monthly to prevent this from happening again. Thought I would share this to prevent it from happening to someone else. Good thing I don't need the boat anytime soon. Good Fishing!!

[Valv]

Thank you Pherris, this is a good post.

In your favor is this time of the year lower units are cheaper since season is over, you can probably shop around and find some good deals.

[Pherris]

Thanks Valv,

Do you have any ideas on who to call to check on prices? It is a 2006 Merc Opti Pro XS 225hp. I have not started looking yet because I am waiting on the insurance company to see if it will be covered or not.

[Pherris]

Just a friendly reminder to check the your prop for fishing line. Pulled mine last weekend and had some type of braid. Got to it before any damage like before. Check them props and Good Fishing!!

PS The ins. company did cover the work. It was about $5,000

[Whoaru99]

PS The ins. company did cover the work. It was about $5,000

I know marine stuff is expensive, but !!

[Sandmannd]

Dang, what did it do to your motor to add up to that kinda cashe??????

[Pherris]

here is what happened: I apparently picked up some line last season that got into the prop shaft area (not visable without pulling the prop.) Well apparently because the braid/ tip up line is so heavy it did not break down and actually wore through the seal and allowed for water intrusion into the lower unit and rusted the bearings causing some of the gear teeth to break. I had to have the lower unit replaced. Not cheap on a big new motor.

That is why I now pull my prop monthly to check for line and would recommend that every one check regularly to avoid the situation if possible.

Good Fishing!!

[Sandmannd]

Gotcha, that is some good advice. Thanks.

[Outfitter17]

You need to check out your prop frequently. We check all our fishing boats about once every 2 weeks, you won't believe how much line in them some have. I can't believe guys run over their line so much.

I however have never check our big motors, but we have never had and issue before. After reading this post I should start checking those also.

[Fishinguy40]

Don't forget your trolling motor!

The same applies to your trolling motor prop too. I was reading the manual for my Minnkota last night and they recommend pulling the prop and inspecting every 20 hours of operation.

I pulled both my props. The outboard was clear but there was a bunch of fishing line behind the trolling motor prop and none of it was visible until the prop was removed!

[fishorgolf]

I have always only checked when I was very sure some line might have gotten into it but this has me thinking. I am checking all my motors tonight.

Thanks for the heads up!