Clutches

[klebel]

Could someone tell me what the big benefits are to having clutch on your boat? I see lots of talk about it around here. Thanks. :confused:

[Doubledog]

Think about it: For the sport boater.

The boat can come to a complete stop with the engine running. These engines don't like to idle too well with a load on them ie.. the prop turning. This happens, you're looking at time waisted with a dead boat. You know, get the fishing pole out.

Typically its easier to manuever around. Without it you'll see a few guys get nervous about where they want to go and the whole time, the boat is chugging along and or possibly die. With it, you can let the boat come to an idle and go a lot slower. Sounds silly but it happens.

Running alone its easier to handle. Start the boat on the stand or in the water without fear of it getting away from you and the fact that their could be a swinging cleaver about to get you. (depeding on how high you have the idle set w/the clutch setup the prop could be spinning also)

A lot of my buddies run clutchless and unless the boat is fairly light, they'll have an assistant. Then again, a lot of us that run clutches can do most everything by ourselves.


Btw, when you run a clutch, its a good idea to run a pump. Not required, just an extra sense of security.