[PCW] Subject: Power-Cat and the Volvo IPS or MercCruiser Zeus

[Robert Deering]

Rod Gibbons wrote: "I've been boating on Puget Sound for more than 50 years,
often in fast power boats, I have yet to suffer anything more than a
very-infrequently dinged prop blade. But then, I try to be prudent -- I
don't speed in the dark, and, as any boater can see, most debris floats in a
connected tide line -- so when you see one log or board, slow down because
others are most likely nearby."

Rod, I know what you're saying, but in ten years of boating here in SE
Alaska I've hit two smaller logs which caused minor prop damage but kicked
up my outboards, a submerged 'mystery' object which was never identified but
kicked up the outboards.  I also have encountered the bottom twice (one 100%
my fault, the other due to gross chart inaccuracy) which caused $3,500 in
lower unit damage, though I was able to come home under my own power because
the outboards kicked up thus preventing further damage.  I've also passed
numerous larger logs floating nearly submerged which were impossible to see
looking forward with glare or chop on the water.  And then there are all the
whales up here...

Perhaps I'm a reckless maniac out there, but I don't think so.  My friends
view me as being overly cautious.

Maybe it's been repealed on the East Coast or in Puget Sound but Murphy's
Law still reigns supreme around these parts.  Installing a boat with an
unprotected propulsion system like the IPS would be akin to pinning a 'Kick
Me' sign on my back, IMHO.