Question re: water cabbage in the motor intake

[The Quadfather]

I ask this question only with the the attached comment "There are supposedly no stupid questions"
That being said.... Do I need to be concerned with using my 25 hp Merc. in waters that are EXTREMELY full of weeds?
This week I was out one night in a lake that is 450 acres, and the entire lake is only up to max. 8' It was so full of weeds that the prop wash coming off the stern was bright green. I could not get the boat to go over 5 mph,, and normaly it flies. needless to say I switched up to the MInn Kota as much as I could (obviously it didn't do a lot better, but no water intakes.)

So, Is there a concern that I could bung up the motor by getting that stuff in the intake? Or just let it run in a clean part of the lake prior to getting it out?

Thanks
Chris

[Marc Martyn]

Not to sound sarcastic, but are the fish you are going after worth possibly damaging your Merc?:-k It sounds to me that you are bogging down the motor, which could lead to over heating it. If it were me, I would row through the weeds and then use the motor in open clear water.

[Mike Carey]

Last year I burned out a water pump on my jet at Terrell, so yes, you do need to be concerned! Of course, it was my own stupid lesson learned, but maybe it can save you one.

[cavdad45]

Last year I burned out a water pump on my jet at Terrell, so yes, you do need to be concerned! Of course, it was my own stupid lesson learned, but maybe it can save you one.

Wow! You used a jet in heavy vegetation? That would definitely kill your water pump, did you tear up the water pump housing, also? Used to see alot of pumps shot from a jet sucking up leaves and clogging the impeller when I worked in the business. So I can only imagine the effects of milfoil.

If you are bogging down your outboard in heavy vegetation, do what Marc says and row or pole your way out especially if your MinnKota is getting bogged down. I would be also tend to be concerned about hitting something under the weeds and damaging the skeg or prop. If you must use your big motor in there, watch the tattletale and make sure your motor is still cycling water through.

[The Quadfather]

Ok guys........... I was afraid to post that one, but I think I am OK, no damage done, but lesson and points definetly taken.

Thanks