Dissapointing First Trip Out

[Brad C.]

I rushed home from work yesterday to take my new (to me) bass boat out on the water.. I drive the 10 minutes to the lake and get out to remove the straps on the back..

It was then that I realized someone had stollen my Raker 3 blade Stainless Steel prop. I know it was stollen because they were kind enough to leave the nut..

So... Now I need to call the Police and file a report..

I was planning on going out this weekend for my first/last fishing trip in the boat.. If I call the local marina, they need to know all sorts of stuff..

Here's some questions from an idiot..

1.) How do you determine the pitch you should choose?

2.) Should I go with Stainless Steel?

3.) Why do people in this world SUCK so much.

4.) Is there a good way to lock the prop on?

5.) Why do people feel that they can take whatever they want?

6.) How much should I plan on spending (That way I don't have a heart attack at the Marina office).

7.) Why do people just take things that aren't theirs.

Well, that about summarizes the situation... A little heart wrenching, but I am sure it happens more than I know..

-Brad

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

OH MAN!! :)

I wouldn't want to be on the boat it ends up on when that karma comes back around.

It sounds like you have a good attitude and should be up and running soon but ,geez, that's such a bummer. Did you at least get out w/ the trolling motor and catch a few?

Hang tight, some good prop guys on here, don't buy till you get replies if possible.

[justtrying]

brad c,

 man, that stinks!   ...certainly i had nothing to do with it, but i sure do feel sorry that it happened.

but, hey, maybe you'll catch a good 'ol big 'un about 10 pounds to help ease the pain!

hope good things come your way, bro.

[BassinFever]

Let us know what king of a rig you have and maybe we can help you out as far as pitch.  I buy props off Ebay all the time, great prices.

[Brad C.]

Thank you to everyone for your kind words. It does suck, but I am trying very hard to stay good spirited.

The boat is a 1986 Dyna-Trak (Ebbtide) Bass Boat that is 18.1 foot long. It's got a 1986 Evinrude V6 VRO with the following model number (E150STLCDC). I am still trying to get ahold of the original owner (Since I have only owned it a week today) to find out if he would remember... So far, I have been unsuccesful.

I appreciate all of your help, and look forward to hearing from you about pitch options.

-Brad

[flechero]

Brad,

Sorry to hear that, I can sympathize with you though, been robbed before also.

Do you have a prop shop in the area?  If so, that is where I would start.  They can help you decide about what you need but more importantly, with a credit card for deposit, many of them will let you take several props out to the lake and try them to be sure you end up with the right one.  Most also have a good inventory of used props at a discounted price.

When I lived in Dallas, I took my SS prop off every time I returned from the lake... they go like hotcakes.  (not to mention unload all rods, tackle and gear- what a pain, especially if I was just going out for an hour or two)

Have you looked into a boat storage?  Around here there are tons of them.  I have a 12' x 30' (garage style) with lights & electricty, the facility has high fence, gate, security cameras and a manager that lives on site... all that for $70/mo.  And it's located 1/2 mile from the ramp I use, on my way to the lake.  It's worth twice that, if you get to fish after work sometimes.

[Nick_Barr]

I cant awnser all those Questions but you will be looking at $400 or so Brand New, Though EBAY is always Good.

And Those People are all Idiots, They Dont know Whats coming to them..... >

[Glenn]

There are several types of prop locks available... from the "keyed" lock-nut to an actual, lockable transom saver that locks onto your prop.  It looks something like "The Club" for your car.

All of these are readily available through Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas.

[J._Bricker]

Brad- Sorry to hear about the theft of your prop.  To answer a few of your questions:

1) The Evinrude dealer should be able to answer this regarding your 150 HP motor.

2) Stainless without a doubt.

3) People in this world don't SUCK- just tweekers and knuckle heads like the ones that stole your prop.

4) flechero and Glenn have good answers

5) Because THEY feel THEY are entitled to your property, you are just temporarily holding (using) it.

6) Anywhere from $100 for the insurance deductable to $500 for a brand new stainless prop.

7) See reason #5

By the way Brad, congradulations on your new boat, this is just a minor setback.   Like LBH said, theirs is coming.....   Tight lines when you get back on the water, JB

[BassinFever]

I'm guessing that you would want anywhere from a 22-26P in a stainless, about a 15" diameter. It all depend on your set-up.

[Rattlinrogue]

Brad,sorry about the theft,but when you get back in the saddle it will be all the more satisfying.And as for the thief the karma monkey is gonna catch him 10 miles from nowhere on a lake and mess up his day.

[Brad C.]

Thank you all for the kind words and advice.. I went on Saturday and bought a temporary Aluminum Prop (15 inch / 19 pitch). It was used both days this weekend and will be my temporary prop once the Insurance claim goes through.

It was a painful start to Boat Ownership, and I do know that I will have plenty of questions from here on out.. But for now, it's time to Winterize..

I am excited to continue learning and conversing with all of you here on BassResource.com.. My overall goal is to be a better Bass fisherman by the time Spring rolls around so I can start out fishing my buddy.. I have the BassResource.com advantage!

-Brad

[Ben]

Do you have a tach? What rpm was it turning with the 19" pitch aluminum? That motor should be proped to turn 5,500 rpm with your normal load. especially if it has already gotten cool/cold and the water temps are down in the 60's or lower. If you go much lower than 5,500 rpm now, it will be a dog, next summer when things warm back up. That 19" prop will give them a pretty good idea of what prop you need. I would think for a 150 on that size boat you will need between a 20 - 24" raker and if having to make an off the wall quess, I would say a 22" raker or 23" renegade.

It will be much better to turn that motor 5,700 rpm than to prop it down where it will only turn 5,000 rpm.