I took the boat out on Saturday to Catalina Island, it is 30 miles offshore from Southern California. The ride over was great, the seas were flat and I made it there in an hour flat. I used the "ECO" mode and the fuel gauge did not even move.
I drifted the boat over a large amount of sea weed and a piece of hard drift would ended up in the intake. I did not find this out until I was clear away from the "Kelp Paddy" and when I started the engine it made a screeching noise. I shut it down and restarted, then shut down immediately. I dove in to check the intake and the piece of wood was jammed between the blades of the prop. I was 5 miles south of the island and I decided to use one engine to get to the port there.
After checking all of my options with Vessel Assist and the local marine mechanics on the Island, I decided to give it a shot on my own. I picked up a Crowbar, 14" pliers, Screw Driver. I finally was able to get the wood out by hitting it with the crow bar. I was very worried about breaking the prop. I restarted the engine and it was good to go!
The adventure carried on and we ended up having an great day on the water.
I am now thinking of upgrading the intake grates.
Here are some pictures from my trip:
This was one of my spearfishing spots for the day, I love finding the really thick kelp beds to freedive in.
This is the "backside" of Catalina Island.
This is a 8# Calico Bass, one of many that we took home for dinner.
Here I am getting ready to go spearfishing.
