How to Avoid Underwater Objects That Damage Props

Avoiding underwater obstacles used to be a skill that was acquired through trial and error, making it an expensive skill at best. There may be nothing more disheartening than catching your propeller, or "prop," on a hazard at the beginning of a holiday weekend. Thankfully, with new advances in technology coupled with lake maps and the knowledge of local fishermen, there's no longer any reason to fear hitting underwater hazards and damaging your propellers or hull.

Things You'll Need

  • Front looking sonar
  • Lake depth chart
  • GPS unit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a front looking sonar system. Although these used to be unheard of as little as three years ago, they're now available from select establishments.

    • 2

      Consult an updated GPS map of the area. Bring a GPS unit on board and make sure that you have the most recent update installed. These updates often include the GPS coordinates of underwater hazards.

    • 3

      Watch for hazard buoys. Local law enforcement or the coast guard will place buoys at newly discovered hazards. Always keep at least 25 feet from any hazard buoy.

    • 4

      Keep a close eye on the current in front of your boat. Currents tend to move around shallow water. If there's a sharp change in the direction of the current, there may be something just beneath the surface and the area should be avoided. Sandbars are often the culprits in this case.

    • 5

      Consult local fishermen. Fishermen often know about hazards that authorities or common boaters are unaware of.

    • 6

      Use caution whenever boating in an area you're unfamiliar with; this is the best way to avoid running into problems. Don't travel at a speed that lifts your boat too far out of the water so that you can't see the conditions ahead.