Prop guard and planing fin

[Rehack]

Does anyone have experience with prop guards (Yamaha outboard on our Tug)? How does it affect performance? We frequently boat in areas with manatees and sometimes whales. Pretty much every manatee we see has scars. Also, same question - experience with using a planing fin/hydrofoil, and could this be used in conjunction with a prop guard? Thanks.

 

[ixlr8]

I would love to hear about any prop guards for the Yamaha motors with all the lobster pot lines we have here in Maine.

 

[Admiral S]

We have a prop guard on our 70hp Yamaha on our 22' Carolina Skiff work boat at our marina. We have the guard because the boat is used around children during our sail camp and is now required by law.

I will say that it dramatically impacts performance. The boat would get up on plane before the guard and with the guard doesn't even come close. There is also cavitation at higher rpm.

I do not think it would be a good fit on a Ranger looking to cruise.

 

[Rehack]

Admiral S, thanks for your insight. Not what I was hoping to hear, of course. I assume yours is the standard (?) plastic one? I have seen a stainless mesh one advertised as working for ski boats but a ski boat isn’t anything like a Tug.

Now, does anyone have advice on planing fins? It would be nice to pop up more quickly on the R23.

 

[Admiral S]

Yes, the plastic kind. Photo attached. We also have a plastic one on a 13ft Boston Whaler and on that boat it doesn't seem to make much of a difference.