In and Out or Gear

[GeoBoat]

I have a 2006 sundecker 270, mercrusier 6.2L, bravo 3 drive

Engine idles at about 550rpm
When I put it in gear, she makes about 3knots (neutral current, wind)

I like to troll at about 1.5-2.5k (targeting striped bass in Long Island Sound), so I am constantly putting the boat in and out of gear to maintain the desired speed. Will this cause excessive wear or other problems ?

Thanks,
George

 

[BillK2632]

Well, technically yes, it will wear things like the cone clutch and shift cable quicker. But not in a measurable sense in my opinion. I would compare this to driving a stick shift car in stop and go traffic all the time, it's going to wear the clutch out quicker, but not to the point I would worry about it.

If you like to use your boat to fish, I would not quit fishing over it, just realize you might be looking at some maintenance items sooner than others.

 

[Maky]

Get yourself some Amish Beefy Trolling Bags

I just sold a set last week.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Get yourself some Amish Beefy Trolling Bags

I just sold a set last week.

That was my suggestion to hang one of the cone shaped drift anchors behind your boat. Something like this...

Bennett

 

[Jus Cruisin]

Or, get a little kicker outboard.

 

[Soulshine]

Or a trolling plate.

 

[Thornton69]

I would be more concerned with low engine oil pressure with an engine being loaded at only 550 rpm. What is your rpm at full speed? Possibly over propped?
We use kickers up here for trolling. The 9.9 high thrusts are the most common. The electric start models have decent charging systems that keep the batteries topped up as well.