Backing down with Outboards...

[TunaTeaser1]

Plan on doing a decent amount of marlin fishing on a CC outboard this year and have never really gotten a straight answer on this.

I know the bow is my best friend for this type of fight and that's what we plan on doing. However, when it comes to end game, we would be moving back to the pit. Should another brief run ensue, are there any serious problems to backing down with outboards on a not so calm day (waves crashing on outboard)? What are the chances water will get in the cowling and what damages can ensue? Water in the cylinders?

Obviously don't want to do damage to boat, but do want to release fish safely and quickly, which would be easiest from the cockpit...

[bobdu11]

I've had to back down on a few Blue Marlin in my CC with outboards.....no problems with water getting in the engines, that's a situation that is always present when running in rough seas....

make sure your scuppers are clear, water can build up on the deck if they're not...if you have an in-deck fish box make sure the lid is closed tight, this can fill up and float the lid causing trip hazard....

you should be moving forward most of the time chasing the big ones, and then at the end game fighting them off the side or one of the aft corners...should not be a whole lot of backing with a CC...Bob

[Big Jay]

You really shouldn't be backing down with outboards.

You really shouldn't need to back down with outboards.

[TunaTeaser1]

Bob, thanks. That's what I was looking for

You really shouldn't be backing down with outboards.

You really shouldn't need to back down with outboards.

Please reread my post, I agree with what you said. I'm talking about when, as bobdu stated, we have been fighting from the bow or side and the fish makes a short run off the stern. Instead of completely turning around and having angler running all around boat, it makes more since to me to pursue in reverse in that instance. Don't plan on having to do it but if I need to I want to make sure I ain't gonna break anything.

[Big Jay]

Bob, thanks. That's what I was looking for

Please reread my post, I agree with what you said. I'm talking about when, as bobdu stated, we have been fighting from the bow or side and the fish makes a short run off the stern. Instead of completely turning around and having angler running all around boat, it makes more since to me to pursue in reverse in that instance. Don't plan on having to do it but if I need to I want to make sure I ain't gonna break anything.

The whole point of having a CC is so you just have the angler run around. LOL

Not trying to pick on ya bud just that's one of the primary benefits of owning a CC. Personally I would never back down in a CC. Not worth the risks to the motors or the boat. That's a lot of open deck for water to move around on.

There's no real argument for backing down in a CC. Even if you're trying to sink the gaff, I'd rather not back down to do so. Let the fish take off and have the angler move. I find if you don't know what you're doing then backing down does way more harm than good. Besides CC's don't back down well anyway. Play the fish around the boat. Wait for a clean gaff shot.

[Patudo]

I'm talking about when, as bobdu stated, we have been fighting from the bow or side and the fish makes a short run off the stern. Instead of completely turning around and having angler running all around boat,

Depending on where the angler is standing, you may be able to spin the boat and drive after the fish without the angler needing to move around too much, just turning to face the fish and maybe moving up the gunwale a little. If it's a not so calm day, it's normally more practical to go after a fish in forward.

[Foul Hook'd]

If you do have to back down, trim the motors up some to help lift the rear of the boat some, it'll help send alot of the wake under the boat and away from the stern/ engines.

Foul Hook'd

[babalaza]

The only thing that would worry me would be the transom layout, that's about it, not the motors. If your transom is done in a way that no water comes in, you are fine. You will only back down as fast as the sea allows you to. (and fish on cc far out for that matter)

Look at it this way TunaTeaser1, your motors will stay more time underwater when you start pushing then when you are reversing. The time you stay at 2500 revs or 3000revs while the boat is dragging is far greater then the time the motors will stay underwater going in reverse. You are reversing with the motors trimmed up, the hull adjusts and does not broach back, the only worry you should have is simply the impellers after a season (if that). Aside from that, what can happen? As long as the capt is not turtle headed then it should be fine. Find that sweet trim position and you're gold. Will the waves really hit that hard to knock a motor on the inside? lol I doubt you will push it that far, it won't be comfortable to the crew or a ton of water will come in. By that time you will be either coming back home or having a meal already admiring the waves and wind at the shore.

I'm waayyyy more comfortable at the thought of backing down trimmed then going past 4400 revs. That's just me though

[SNAKE EYES SPORTFISHING]

actually, i would worry about the cowling breathers sucking in some water, now im not going into detail but last spring a good freinds boat sucked water thru the air intake and blew both motors within seconds of each other. if you need the details i'll get them to you, they were yamaha 4 strokes and it was his fault. i repeat his fault not yamahas but they paid for everything.

[babalaza]

I'm interested to know how it happened, you got a pm.