Northwest Fishing Reports

So I finally got my sled in the water which is a westcoaster by Valco.Now I've never used the down riggers but found out real fast that a flat bottom with a walkin canopy and a lil wind is a real fun time. Especially when you are trying to use a dn rigger.So I got a bit frustrated and sped up to get a straight shot so I could have some time and noticed my 6 horse sizuki was acting like an automatic trns and slipping#-o It was kinda going in and out of thrust. Could this mean that the rubber is trash and has anyone delt with this befor??? - insult to injury no fish and I was at american lake.

We had the same problem with the big moter out on the ocean a couple of years ago. Had to limp in at not much more then an idle. Over time the rubber bushing gets hard and brittle and then starts slipping. You can have them rebuilt but we found that you could just about buy a new one for the same price.

I'm wondering if the prop shear pin is partially sheared off.
That would be an easy fix. Cheap too.

thanks for the come back the motor is only a year old 1 1/2 actually - will check the shear but I fear the worst. Guy I got this rig from was a real case. Anything he told me has so far been a fantsy

Do motor mfrs still use shear pins? For some reason, I thought they were dropped in favor of the rubber hub, even on the smaller motors. If the motor is only a year and half old, it shouldn't be the prop hub, but maybe the seller ran it into some immovable objects and messed up the hub?

Hey hewe's thats what I was thinking, When I went to pick up the boat the owner was on his face - I have nothing against a good whiskey but not in the boat - I'm also finding other issues but hey it was sold used and as is. After buying it I askede him if there were any issues needing tending and he said no, just go fish. I've had to replace the tunnel, one trailer spring, the bilge pump and this winter the cables will need tending to. I think I paid way to much but it will be a gooderun when done!!!