Weed-Friendly Boats: Best Vessels For Navigating Overgrown Waters

Boating through weeds can be a challenging task, with the potential for clogging and damage to the boat's motor. While some boaters suggest avoiding weedy areas altogether, others have shared their experiences and strategies for navigating through these obstacles. Jet boats, in particular, have been a topic of discussion, with varying opinions on their performance in weedy waters. Some boaters claim that jet boats can handle weeds effectively, while others have encountered issues with clogging and cleaning. The Yamaha jet boat, with its clean-out ports, is highlighted as a favourable option for weed management. Additionally, certain lakes with invasive weeds, such as eelgrass and milfoil, are mentioned as potential challenges for jet boat owners. Overall, the choice of boat depends on individual preferences, the type of weeds, and the specific boating conditions.

Jet boats and weeds

Jet boats are powerful watercraft that can provide an exhilarating experience on the water. However, when it comes to weeds, there are some considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here are some insights and recommendations regarding jet boats and weeds:

Performance Impact

Weeds can impact the performance of jet boats, especially when operating at slower speeds. Surface weeds and floating weeds can be a challenge, potentially clogging the intake and leading to reduced power and cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the flow of water through the pumps is disrupted, causing erratic engine performance. Thin, grassy weeds are particularly troublesome as they can wrap around the impeller, requiring manual removal with a knife in some cases.

Preventative Measures

To minimize the impact of weeds, it is advisable to avoid areas with dense weed growth, especially at low speeds. Staying in deeper waters can help prevent weed-related issues. Additionally, keeping the boat moving can help, as the weeds are more likely to be chopped up and expelled by the jet at higher speeds.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to dealing with weeds. Jet boats often feature clean-out ports or plugs that allow for easy access and removal of weeds without the need for diving underneath the boat. Utilizing the reverse trick, where the boat is momentarily put in reverse and then forward, can help flush out weeds from the intake and prevent clogging. For more stubborn weeds, specialized tools like weed rakes or an apple picker can be used to reach and clear the intake grate without getting into the water.

Boat Selection

When it comes to selecting a jet boat for weedy conditions, consider models with twin engines, as they tend to handle weeds better than single-engine boats. Additionally, wider intake grates can be advantageous as they allow weeds to flow through and be chopped up more effectively. Some manufacturers, like Yamaha, offer boats with clean-out ports for easier maintenance.

In conclusion, while weeds can be a challenge for jet boats, understanding the potential issues and taking preventative measures can minimize their impact. With proper maintenance and by choosing suitable boat models, you can enjoy your jet boat experience even in weedy waters.

Clean-out ports

The process of cleaning out the ports usually involves pulling out the clean-out plugs and using a tool to push or pull the weeds out of the intake grates. Some tools that can be used for this purpose include a rake, a wooden dowel rod, or a thin wall conduit with a slight bend. It is also possible to use your hands to remove the weeds, but this may be more difficult, especially if the intake grates are packed full.

In some cases, it may be necessary to get into the water to clear the weeds. Having a pair of swim goggles on board can be helpful for this purpose. Additionally, there are specialised rakes available that can be used to reach under the boat and remove the weeds without getting into the water.

It is worth noting that not all jet boats come equipped with clean-out ports. For boats that don't have this feature, there are alternative methods for clearing weeds, such as using the reverse trick or installing a stomp grate. However, clean-out ports are highly recommended for boats that are frequently used in weedy waters, as they make the process of removing weeds much more straightforward and efficient.

Overall, clean-out ports are a valuable feature for boats that operate in waters with a significant amount of weeds. They allow for quick and easy removal of built-up weeds, which can help to prevent engine problems and keep the boat running smoothly. By regularly cleaning out the ports, boaters can ensure that their vessel is always ready for use, even in challenging conditions.

Mechanical weed-removal tools

There are also various tools available for removing weeds from the seedline, which generally fall into two categories: blind cultivation and computer-assisted cultivators. Blind cultivation tools are not guided by a person or machine and are designed to contact crop plants without causing significant damage while removing young weed seedlings. Examples include finger weeders, torsion weeders, and spring tine weeders.

Camera and computer-assisted weeders are also becoming available on the market. This technology can detect and distinguish crop plants in the seedline and then activate a weed removal implement. Examples include the Tillet Weeder, which uses a spinning round-blade with a notch cut out of one side to navigate around crop plants.

For small herbaceous weeds, hand-pulling may be an option, but larger plants may require the use of puller tools like the Weed Wrench or Root Talon. Pulling is generally a more suitable method for small weed infestations as it can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Other mechanical weed control techniques include mowing, mulching, tillage, soil solarization, burning and flaming, flooding, and the use of agricultural robots.

Invasive weed species

• Curly-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus): This invasive species, native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia, was introduced to the Great Lakes region of the United States in the 1800s. It thrives in low-lit water and can create dense mats on the water surface, hindering boating and affecting native vegetation. To control its growth, the introduction of grass carp is suggested if legal in your state, along with the use of slow-acting systemic herbicides.
• Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata): Hydrilla is native to Asia but has spread across the world, including the US, where it was first found in Florida in 1959. It can rapidly choke out native vegetation, interfere with boat docks, and impact water supplies. Mechanical control and the use of grass carp or targeted systemic herbicides are recommended for management.
• Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum): Accidentally introduced to the US from Europe, this invasive species has feather-like leaves and can thrive in a wide range of aquatic habitats with sufficient light. It often forms vast mats of floating canopy, crowding out native plants. Aquatic herbicide treatments via boat and subsurface injection are effective management strategies, along with ensuring that aquatic equipment is cleaned to prevent the spread of plant fragments.
• Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana): Fanwort is a dense submerged plant that negatively affects water quality and disrupts recreational activities. It is native to the southern US but can also thrive in northern regions. Due to its delicate, easily fragmenting stems, it can re-sprout in both high and low nutrient waterbodies. Aquatic herbicide treatments over several seasons can help contain Fanwort without harming other wildlife and vegetation.
• Submerged Plants: These invasive plants, including Hydrilla, Curlyleaf Pondweed, Fanwort, and others, grow almost entirely underwater but can sometimes reach the surface. They are particularly problematic for boating, fishing, and aquatic life due to their dense growth and quick dominance of aquatic systems.
• Floating Plants: Invasive floating plants like Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, and Giant Salvinia have roots that are not always established in the bottom sediment. They can rapidly spread across water surfaces and drift into surrounding waterways, becoming a nuisance in lakes and ponds.
• Emergent Plants: These invasive plants, such as Water Primrose and Torpedograss, are rooted in shallow water but stand upright with most of their tissue above the surface. They typically grow in very shallow water or along the edges, dominating shoreline areas and impacting wetlands and marsh areas.

Effective management of invasive weed species requires early detection, identification, and targeted control strategies. Professional services or DIY herbicides can be employed, along with mechanical removal methods like rakes or innovative tools like the LakeMaid. Preventing the spread of these plants by boaters and lake users is also crucial to preserving the health of lakes and recreational activities.

Boating in shallow water

Stay Informed About Weed Species: It's important to be aware of the different types of invasive weed species that may be present in the body of water you plan to boat in. Some common invasive weeds in North America include Curly-leaf Pondweed, Hydrilla, and Eurasian Watermilfoil. These weeds can rapidly take over lakes and negatively impact native species and spawning conditions for fish.

Choose the Right Boat: When boating in shallow waters with weeds, consider choosing a boat with a jet drive or a prop drive. Jet boats, such as those from Yamaha, Seadoo, Scarab, and Chaparral, are known for their performance in shallow waters and their ability to handle weeds. They often have clean-out ports that make it easier to remove any built-up weeds. Prop boats, on the other hand, may be more prone to sucking up weeds, but they are generally easier to clear by simply putting the boat in hard reverse.

Maintain a Safe Speed: When navigating through shallow waters with weeds, it's crucial to maintain a safe speed. While slower speeds may increase the risk of clogging, higher speeds can help chop up the weeds. However, always be mindful of the no-wake zones and follow local regulations to avoid causing damage to the ecosystem or disturbing other boaters.

Regularly Clean Your Boat: After boating in shallow waters with weeds, take the time to properly clean your boat. This includes draining the live well and thoroughly inspecting the boat to remove any weeds that may be stuck to the hull or other parts. This helps prevent the spread of invasive species to other bodies of water.

Consider Weed Management: If you frequently boat in a lake with persistent weed problems, consider getting involved in weed management efforts. This could include contacting a lake association to inquire about professional herbicide applicators or opting for do-it-yourself herbicides. Mechanical removal tools, such as rakes or innovative products like the LakeMaid, can also be effective in clearing weeds from the lake shore.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the specific conditions of the body of water you plan to boat in, you can safely enjoy your boating experience in shallow waters with weeds. Remember to always respect the environment and follow best practices to minimize your impact on the aquatic ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions