So I backed up too far into shore... /facepalm - question for you

[wesbstcroix]

Yesterday I was backing up to the beach in a harbor we frequent, planning on anchoring a good 40-50 feet out in about 10 feet of water. I had my outdrives trimmed up half way as I came to where I normally let out my anchor and get cozy. Unfortunately, I mis-judged just how low the water is this spring and my depth gauge plummeted from 15 to 3 feet and BAM!!

I had reversed into the sandy bottom at probably 3-5 MPH. It shut down the engines. I looked over everything I could think of, not that I had any idea of what I was looking for - something out of the normal I suppose - didnt see anything so I fired up the engines and was able to tap the throttle and get out extremely easily. Seemed to steer and run normally, gauge readings all normal. (Well steer as normally as it did before. I have a steering link that needs to be fixed on the starboard engine). So it seemed only my pride was damaged.

I have always been told that out-drives are designed to give a little if you were to hit something while moving forward but not when going backwards.... so I am wondering if that is true, and if so, would I have likely caused any damage that I should look into further? I was going slow and all seemed normal on the drive back to the Marina. Would rather be proactive however.

Still kicking myself. Ugh.

 

[Do Over]

i would be more concerned with all the sand you ingested

 

[rondds]

I'm trying to figure out how you were boating in MN yesterday.

 

[PMC]

IMO, you were not going fast enough to bend and damage the outdrive. Really the first hit would be to the props, and you should inspect for any damages. Any vibration when running at speed? You may have ingested sand, do you know if that has a pickup through the hull or through the outdrive? If the boat has a seacock and strainer, open it and inspect. A single incident of sand running through the impellers and engine is not that big of a deal.

Keep a close sense out for vibration, and watch the temp for any creeping.

 

[ZZ13]

In addition, also look for temp to stick around 135 degrees. I ran my 175 sport aground once and ingested sand and from then on it never got about 135. Took off the t-stat housing a found a single grain of sand wedged in the t-stat. That slight opening let in enough water to keep cooling the engine.

 

[wesbstcroix]

I'm trying to figure out how you were boating in MN yesterday.

It was high 60's, no wind, and sunny. I actually got sun burnt.

It has been a dry and warm end of winter/spring We get such a short season, I try to get out there working on the boat as soon as the snow is gone.

 

[Zach312]

I'm trying to figure out how you were boating in MN yesterday.

We have been splashed since 4/8. Was down at the boat this evening getting the dingy set up.

Where was the sand bar? Are you on the St Croix?

 

[Joe5.0]

Agreed with everyone else, be more concerned with the sand/pebbles possibly ingested. I had a cold running condition due to pebbles stuck in the t-stat springs, which caused open loop operation and the oil getting diluted by gasoline, so keep an eye on the temp.

 

[wesbstcroix]

We have been splashed since 4/8. Was down at the boat this evening getting the dingy set up.

Where was the sand bar? Are you on the St Croix?

Yea, we are at Kings Cove in Hastings.

I was on the North end of Kinny...

 

[wesbstcroix]

IMO, you were not going fast enough to bend and damage the outdrive. Really the first hit would be to the props, and you should inspect for any damages. Any vibration when running at speed? You may have ingested sand, do you know if that has a pickup through the hull or through the outdrive? If the boat has a seacock and strainer, open it and inspect. A single incident of sand running through the impellers and engine is not that big of a deal.

Keep a close sense out for vibration, and watch the temp for any creeping.

I will check out the props further this weekend. On the way back to the Marina I got it up to WOT and there was no vibration. I am 99% sure the pickup/intake is on the hull so I am hoping that means less chance of ingesting a bunch of sand.

Good call on the seacocks. I will check those this weekend.

I appreciate the comment!

 

[wesbstcroix]

The gauges all read normal, including the temp but we weren't on the boat too much longer. I will keep a close eye on it this weekend.

Thanks all.

 

[andy k]

I'm trying to figure out how you were boating in MN yesterday.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[wjglampe]

The Spring weather in MN came early this year. Hats off to you guys taking advantage of it. We have as well. Had a phenomenal day on the Croix last Sunday.

 

[Tonka Boater]

The Spring weather in MN came early this year. Hats off to you guys taking advantage of it. We have as well. Had a phenomenal day on the Croix last Sunday.

Yes, the weather here has been unseasonably beautiful. I will be out for the first time this Saturday...forecast is calling for sunny skies and close to 80º.

 

[bjurkovski]

Nice, I'm at Kings Cove and will be going out this weekend. The water looks low and I hope I can make it out of the channel from the marina without bottoming out.

 

[dpmulvey]

Agreed with everyone else, be more concerned with the sand/pebbles possibly ingested. I had a cold running condition due to pebbles stuck in the t-stat springs, which caused open loop operation and the oil getting diluted by gasoline, so keep an eye on the temp.

Sorry for the hijack, but how could a cooling system issue affect the fuel system and the oil system? Are they not separate by design?