How shallow do you go?

[mraz72]

I typically back my boat into some spot that approaches a beach so the kids can swim. I tend to throw the anchor around the 4' marks give a little reverse throttle and kill the engine around the 2' - 2.5' mark, and yes I hear the alarm that goes off at the 3' mark

Any danger is constantly doing this? I don't rev at all in shallow depts and the bottom where I anchor is sand.

I then usually jump and, move the boat exactly where i want it, and hook the anchors.....

 

[buckbuck]

No problem. You can take a Yamaha in less water than that.

 

[Bill D]

There is a danger with running in reverse in shallow water. You could stir up sand, rocks, or other debris and run it through your pumps. It will wear the impeller and the ring as you run more grit through your pumps, but may not cause much noticeable difference. It's more of a wear down process.

In the situation you're talking about I usually throw my anchor in deeper water (10-15') back in a little bit, let it it coast until it's shallow enough to touch. Then either I or one of my crew pull the boat the rest of the way.

I can't say your doing any damage or ruining your boat, but be careful of stirring up the bottom only to pump it through your jet.

Welcome aboard BTW. There is a lot of good info on this forum.

 

[njmr2fan]

Welcome aboard @Michael Rasmussen! I try to kill the engine before it get to the 2' mark. As mentioned I dont want to cycle too much sand through my pump as we beach multiple times an outing every weekend.

 

[Matt Phillips]

That's about what I do...anchor at an appropriate depth, then back unto about 3', then I use a shore spike on the stern. I'm usually happy when the water @ the transom is about waist deep. If I know the water will stay perfectly calm, I'll back in shallower. Then leaving, I remove the shore spike and pull myself toward where the anchor is and it's usually deep enough to start the engines without sucking up any debris.

One word of caution though is when you back in and there's some wave action. Make sure that you're still deep enough so that your jets don't hit the bottom due to the waves. I've seen some stories of people on the other forum who have had some pricy repairs from that situation.