prien horror story
 

So, when I fish that north area, I always put in under the gun bridge, and today was the last time that will happen. I start out takin the same route I always do, and get on step right by the channel when wham! I hit something. trimmed her up, everything (that i could see) looked fine, so putted out to the channel and away I went. got down to the 210 bridge and it was on for topwater. caught a few on a white skitter walk until one broke it off and swam around the boat showing me his prize. Took off again for another spot and an alarm was goin off. checked the temp, good. checked oil pressure, good. went check the lower unit lube res, and no oil in it. so all the way back to the launch with the trolling motor to check it out. pull the boat out, and there's a huge hole in the front of the lower unit, with oily water leaking out of it!

now, I've looked at replacements and came across someone who says it's repairable, but...

anyone had that happen and repaired there lower unit's case, or is it one of those times you just have to bite it and replace it?

most expensive fish I've ever caught!

Yes . If you take lower unit off. There are welders that can TIG it, then grind it back down.....

Then put it back together again.

Did you go back n see what you hit?

There is a large stump or pylon in the water just after the bridge by the isle that is in the channel. I've seen it when the water was low

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I didn't go back and see. I know about that pylon, this was about 20 yards before the channel, 15 or so yards away from the bridge pylons. It was definately metal, maybe some old angle iron or something. All I know, is that launch is off limits for me from now on, I only used it because no one ever goes there. I always leave well before daylight and use saved tracks in my gps. that's what gets me, I have passed that way at least 20 times and never hit a thing. I'm glad for the repair advice though, lower unit casings are expensive!!!

A welder can only fix so much, how big of hole we talkin?

The guy at The Prop Shop Tig welded this hole then drilled the 4 low water pick up holes. It's on an Optimax 225. He did a great job. http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9...D550/ry%3D400/

could happen anywhere right?

One of the hazards of boating could happen anywhere. My kids lost a prop off of their little boat last week. I'm just glad no one was hurt. Fix it and fish.

Man that's bad!!! Mine isn't that bad at all, thanks for that info, I gotta give me a call.

The pontoon bridge in Estherwood got it when the bayou was low and i went across a little too fast (trailering). I think it cost $150 to fix. I go through Crowley now when headed to the Mermentau.

That's all? At the prop shop in Lafayette?

Yes sir, in Lafayette. I pulled the lower unit off and brought it to them. I think it was 3 summers ago when it happened, so the price may be a little higher now.

My brother in law hit a oxygen bottle out there about a month ago and knocked a big hole in his lower unit.

South side welding on common can hook u up but you still need to pressure test it to make sure u didn't burn up any seals, gaskets r bearings. Lower unit gets hot quick w no lubrication

Wow.. I fish there often and put in at the landing which is under the 210 bridge..you said gun bridge..is that the 210 bridge?