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hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
#12368892
08/02/17 05:43 AM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 786
kevine80
OP
Pro Angler
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OP
Pro Angler
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 786 |
had a conversation with a friend---- i have been boat shopping lately and have noticed a lot of reference to lower unit problems or replacements im 50 + and have had many boats in my life --never had a lower unit problem the theory is = people are putting the boat in gear under power (on accident of course) through lack of coordination with a hot foot what say you ?
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12368901
08/02/17 07:30 AM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 770
lodell23
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 770 |
Probably has more to do with taking a bass boat in stump fields, rocks, etc opposed to a pleasure boat being in open water
Texas A&M '22
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12368914
08/02/17 09:53 AM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 11,971
tmd11111
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 11,971 |
I've had boats with and without hot foots. Never known it to be an issue nor have I ever heard it be a topic of concern.
Last edited by tmd11111; 08/02/17 06:11 PM.
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12368985
08/02/17 12:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 35,817
Allison1
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 35,817 |
This is my first boat with a hot foot and it needs one. I have not had that problem. The reason most lower units go out are not shifting related. Line in the prop shaft that goes unchecked is probably the number one reason. Anytime the seals are compromised and the LU gets water inside you need to have that remedied.
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12368986
08/02/17 12:18 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,334
Hog Jaw
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,334 |
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: Allison1]
#12368987
08/02/17 12:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,504
Ken A.
Groovy
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Groovy
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,504 |
This is my first boat with a hot foot and it needs one. I have not had that problem. The reason most lower units go out are not shifting related. Line in the prop shaft that goes unchecked is probably the number one reason. Anytime the seals are compromised and the LU gets water inside you need to have that remedied.
Agreed. I have a theory as well about fishing line being the major culprit. Many times it is braided line that is wrapped around the prop shaft. If somebody throws it overboard, it floats just under the surface. The perfect place for a boater to pick it up unknowingly. I have owned a bunch of boats with hotfoots and none of them had LU issues.
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369018
08/02/17 12:43 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,995
GarySHO
Ice Ice Baby
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Ice Ice Baby
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,995 |
Lack of maintenance is reason for lower unit problems, that and not knowing where you are running.
A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user- Theodore Roosevelt Broken Bow Lake Fishing Guide 2020 Caymas CX 20 PRO and 250 SHO
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369057
08/02/17 01:10 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 72,293
Mark Perry
Super Freak
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Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 72,293 |
Or simply newer outboards especially 200hp and over have a ton more torque and that helps in many failures. I seriously doubt a hot foot hurts at all. I personally don't see more lower unit failures than I did 15 years ago.
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369094
08/02/17 01:24 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,170
snickers
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,170 |
Most of my lower units have been trashed from my hotfoot . From flying around Lake Amistad and the hard bottom it has. If you find this your problem just call Two guys marine
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369127
08/02/17 01:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,929
96speed
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,929 |
had a conversation with a friend---- i have been boat shopping lately and have noticed a lot of reference to lower unit problems or replacements im 50 + and have had many boats in my life --never had a lower unit problem the theory is = people are putting the boat in gear under power (on accident of course) through lack of coordination with a hot foot what say you ? Anyone that can drive a vehicle can figure out that you're not supposed to put a load on an engine before it is engaged in a gear. I think there are other factors.
Female drivers = No survivors
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369212
08/02/17 02:13 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,103
buda13
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,103 |
In all my years of fishing I've only witnessed one lower unit destroyed by being put in gear while throttle was applied on the hot foot. Lots more lower units are shredded by hitting something, line around prop shaft, and poor maintenance IMO.
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369223
08/02/17 02:18 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 136
TrailHand
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 136 |
I don't know about other models, but the Yamaha ProV has a rpm lockout that keeps you from shifting in gear over about 1000 RPMs with a hotfoot. Well, you can force it, but you know you're doing something wrong if you do.
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369246
08/02/17 02:26 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 364
Bryan O'
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 364 |
I'd say the that advent of the jackplate, faster boats with bigger motors, and these high pitch props. We run them so high, and jumping waves. it's real hard on the gearboxes when they re-enter the water when jumping a wave. I've started burying my jackplate when running rough water. Ever notice that those off shore race boats have a driver and a throttle man?
Bryan O' Total Recreation Products Inc. Commercial Park and Playground Products and Services totalrecreation.net Ranger Z521c 250ProXS V8
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: kevine80]
#12369387
08/02/17 03:30 PM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,439
Gamblinman
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,439 |
Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
I change my LU fluid twice a year. After changing, I take it on a short run to warm up the fluid, put it back on the trailer, and crack the top bleed screw, allowing any pressure off and drain any excess gear oil...just a couple of seconds...then tighten the bleed screw.
Especially important on Mercury Torquemaster and Sportmaster LU's.
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Re: hotfoot = lower unit serial killer ?
[Re: Ken A.]
#12369472
08/02/17 04:07 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,200
Kay Dyson
HOT Mess!!!
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HOT Mess!!!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,200 |
This is my first boat with a hot foot and it needs one. I have not had that problem. The reason most lower units go out are not shifting related. Line in the prop shaft that goes unchecked is probably the number one reason. Anytime the seals are compromised and the LU gets water inside you need to have that remedied.
Agreed. I have a theory as well about fishing line being the major culprit. Many times it is braided line that is wrapped around the prop shaft. If somebody throws it overboard, it floats just under the surface. The perfect place for a boater to pick it up unknowingly. I have owned a bunch of boats with hotfoots and none of them had LU issues. Spot on about the braided line wrapping around the prop shaft... Lost my L/U to that, Chuck at Service Marine advised me to check that shaft regularly...
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