Engine Light On - stuck on sand bar

[Chexi]

Okay, so I really wanted to fully test out my new to me boat this weekend. Unfortunately, the lakes here are very low. I was able to put my 2000 SAN into the water at the launch, but as I found out, about 50 yards out it get shallower and I got stuck on a sand bar. My prop was in the sand and churned it up a bit for a few seconds before I shut the engine off. I also noticed before turning the engine off that my engine light was on. Does anyone know if the added drag on the prop from being in sand would cause the engine light to come on? I'm hoping that the prop in the sand bar caused the engine light (or perhaps the water intake was getting very silty and the engine could sense this somehow... although the temp had not risen), because the alternative is that my new boat has some engine problems. I did not have the engine come on during the test when I bought the boat.

This all happend very quickly, as I shut if off within 3-4 seconds of getting stuck. I was able to hop out and manually push the boat off the sandbar and back to the launch/trailer. But, now I am worried that I may have some major engine problems. But, if the prop having the extra drag could cause the engine light to come on, then I would feel at least a little better for the time being.

[bchesley]

The light is the V-drive oil light. It will stay on if the boat is under 1200 RPM. Once above the 1200 RPM the pump will have enough pressure to make the light go off. No issues, just part of owning a V-drive.

[Chexi]

Ah, thank you so much Brad. I do remember there being a sticker saying something about 1200 rpms... something like, "Do not operate the boat above 1200 rpms if warning light is on". I misinterpreted that to mean... if this light is on, you better limp your arse home and do not, under any circumstances, try to operate at normal speeds.

[SNMike]

Chexi,

Chances are next to zero, but check your prop and make sure none of the blades were cupped in those 3 or 4 seconds. Doesn't hurt to check.

Regards!
Mike

[Chexi]

Thanks Mike. The prop looks just like I remembered it from before the incident, although it was less than perfect when I bought it. Fortunately, I already have an ACME spare that I never needed for my 99 Air (and have not put on the SAN yet). I am fairly certain it will work on the SAN. I think it's a model they do not make any more. My spare ACME is the 3 blade that got such great reviews a few years ago. I can't remember the number at the moment, but it's a 3 blade that acts a lot like a 4 blade. I think it's the 470.

[bchesley]

That prop won't work unfortunately. The shaft on your boat is a 1-1/8" and that 470 is for a 1" direct drive. You will want to get a 644 or one of the newer 1234s.

[wake_fun]

Man, that sucks!!!
Hopefully everything is OK.
I run the 644 on mine.

[Chexi]

Well crap. Hopefully Delta will work with me on an exchange. I never even broke the seal of the tape on the box. Of course, my prop puller is in that same box, and I'd need to get that out before I send it back...

[ers906]

Delta is pretty good about those type things. Go with the 1234 for good shot out of the hole, I have had both the 644 and the 1234 and like the 1234 much more. my $0.02

[SkiTower]

Also, keep a feel out for some sort of vibration. It doesn't take anything to screw up a prop, and you won't see the damage. If you feel or hear anything, especially at high speeds, have the prop checked. I've had two fixed that 'looked' fine.

[Chexi]

Thanks guys. I will definitely watch for little vibrations. The existing prop was a little dinged, so my plan was to put a new prop on just to be safe and have the existing one cleaned up for use as an emergency spare.

I will say this once again... the Planet Nautique community is the number one reason I bought my first and now second Nautique. Boats are trouble... it's a fact, but when you have a community like PN that is not only super knowledgeable but also always willing to help, it makes boat ownership a joy. I know that the other brands have their forums, but when I checked them out, none could compare to PN or CCfan for that matter. What other brand has not only 1 first rate community, but 2!

[TX-Foilhead]

That light freaks out everyone who gets in my boat, even though there is plaque explaining it. I don't even notice it anymore.

[SNMike]

Thanks guys. I will definitely watch for little vibrations. The existing prop was a little dinged, so my plan was to put a new prop on just to be safe and have the existing one cleaned up for use as an emergency spare.

I will say this once again... the Planet Nautique community is the number one reason I bought my first and now second Nautique. Boats are trouble... it's a fact, but when you have a community like PN that is not only super knowledgeable but also always willing to help, it makes boat ownership a joy. I know that the other brands have their forums, but when I checked them out, none could compare to PN or CCfan for that matter. What other brand has not only 1 first rate community, but 2!

Hey, as my Italian family says........."fuggetaboutit"! >;-)