Navigating fast water with trees and boulders

[Stumpalump]

We have very rare conditions where I believe I can get the boat up a very remote River. I'm heading out with spares, safety gear, PLB ect. Do you have any tips for driving in the very fast water sections? I've been in tidal water and some easy southern Colorado River stuff below the Hover dam but looking on Google earth I have a few short class 1 rapids to drive thru. Any suggestions apreaciated.

 

[RiverBottomOutdoors]

It's always easier going up than coming down. Haha.

When in doubt, throttle out.

 

[CedarRiverScooter]

Pick your line & go big.

Put your cell phone in a plastic bag!

Have someone ready to pick you up along the shore if you break the boat. There's no one going to come by & give you a tow. Hopefully you have GPS so you can give them coordinates.

Good luck, let us know how it went

 

[Stumpalump]

I had quite the adventure today. The folly on the boat launch was great. I started the quest for info on the area on the Expedition Portal website and wrote a trip report there. Post 16 is where it starts today with quite the epic launch photos.

https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/152949-Info-on-Verde-River-AZ-between-Sheep-Bridge-and-Horseshoe-Lake-dam/page2

 

[Stumpalump]

I was informed on the "off brand" site that the pics in the link would not show up unless you were a member. Sorry about that. Here is a site that you should all know.

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/general-boating-outdoors-activities/boating-activities-rendezvous-and-destinations/10117748-navigating-very-fast-water-with-rocks

Here is a preview of the guy that almost lost his truck.
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[AllOutdoors]

I run that each time I go to fish. I just read the water and take the bumps that go along with it. I run a jet. Replacing lower units got old.

 

[Stumpalump]

I run that each time I go to fish. I just read the water and take the bumps that go along with it. I run a jet. Replacing lower units got old.

It's not if but "when" do I wind up with a jet. It's only $1800 to convert mine but it's too old to invest in. Where is the best source of info for all things jet related?

 

[AllOutdoors]

I run that each time I go to fish. I just read the water and take the bumps that go along with it. I run a jet. Replacing lower units got old.

It's not if but "when" do I wind up with a jet. It's only $1800 to convert mine but it's too old to invest in. Where is the best source of info for all things jet related?

There is quite a bit of info here on jets. Most of it is solid. I ran an outboard jet for years and went to an inboard jet in 2012. Absolutely no regrets.

 

[Stumpalump]

I headed back to try the Rapids on the Verde River one more time yesterday. To get around the first set we headed thru the forest. The plan was to power up current thru the trees then drift the treeless shallow Rapids with the trim up.

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It was sure fun playing in that current. I could be almost on plane and still be going backwards. It took a long time but we made it another mile.

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The $25 plastic prop did its job when it finally got too shallow. I got turned around and had just enough thrust from one blade to motor 1/2 mile down stream to a calm spot to swap props.

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I wish we had enough water like this for a river jet but at least I got to play like I was in one.

 

[richg99]

Great story and well told. I am not sure ( no, positive) that I wouldn't do that run without a jet drive. I have a serious aversion to breaking boat parts, especially on an unreachable section of a river. Enjoyed it. richg99

 

[Steve A W]

Stumpalump
Looks like a fun ride.

Steve A W

 

[turbotodd]

That looks like a walk in the park for a jet foot. Or an airboat. There are waterways similar to that out here and the jets rule them. I fish them too but when it gets to skinny, it's not worth tearing up a foot so I back it down. Seen multiple boats attempt to navigate them with more than a couple getting turned around, and one going under; occupants swim to the bank and watching the boat drift away just under the surface. Not worth it, in my opinion-considering that the water temp is usually in the 40's and 50's.