Swimming with plant life

[Dixie]

I learned something new last weekend when trying to hang a new deer stand in some unchartered territory. When crossing a slough in a max 2 that is full of Hydrilla you are not going to make it. I wish I would have had a camera to take pictures. When I came off the bank and began swimming I couldnt tell any difference but when you make it about 30 yards you begin pushing the stuff into a big ball and it brings you to a hault. When I finally got turned around and back on dry ground I realized that was a bad idea. Has any body else ever run into any thing like this? I would love to get across and be able to hunt the island but its about a hundred yard swim and the hydrilla is from bank to bank.

[countrycummins99]

put pvs pipe around your axles so the stuff doesent wrap around them if that's what was stopping you?

[Dixie]

thats a good idea it was a pain pulling out all the weeds from in between tires and the tub but my biggest problem is that big ball of grass that keeps getting bigger and bigger you push up in front of you while trying to swim.

[countrycummins99]

bring an ore with you and just push it to the side unless its wrapping around your axles it should just slide out of the way

[Dixie]

I plan on going back Friday for round 2 and will surely have a push pole. If time allows may have pvc around the axles also.

[jakeesspoo]

I have the same problem with a pond by me. By the time i get out onto land i literally pull 100 lbs of seaweed out of axles (not easy) It wraps around like spaghetti. Maybe some of those things on the end of your rims that look like cutters in the bottom of your blender would work. The old black guys round here have them on t
heir cadillacs

[Adondo]

Here in the Pacific Northwest, it's Mill-Foil. Same thing, it'll trap boats just as nicely. The stuff grows up from the bottom and floats, (much like seaweed) and can be 7 to 8 feet tall. It wraps around props until nothing can turn, so I'd imagine axles would be the same way. People who are good swimmers drown every year here by getting their legs wrapped up in the stuff. I like the PVC pipe idea, but what's it take to get them on? Pulling axles?

[Rusty-Gunn]

Here in the Pacific Northwest, it's Mill-Foil. Same thing, it'll trap boats just as nicely. The stuff grows up from the bottom and floats, (much like seaweed) and can be 7 to 8 feet tall. It wraps around props until nothing can turn, so I'd imagine axles would be the same way. People who are good swimmers drown every year here by getting their legs wrapped up in the stuff. I like the PVC pipe idea, but what's it take to get them on? Pulling axles?

One thread said to cut the pvc pipe to length, then cut it length-wise and push it over the axle, followed by either taping it on or gluing it. Be sure its allowed to free spin.

[Dixie]

I think im gone cut the pvc down one side then rap a few zip ties or hose clamps around it.

[countrycummins99]

hose clamps would prolly be your best bet
or buy schedule 10 cut one side and force it open

[msafi65]

Split the PVC and wrap it with good electrical tape. Two layers will last at leatst a year, remove with razor knife. You may try a canoe paddle and no tires turning. I think it will drag on plants but may work.

[snake stomper]

Hey guys haven't been on the boards in a while. But I have a good tip that may help in different situations in a pond. Ever get close to the bank and can't get out ect. I carry a collapsible grapple hook with me. Attach it to the front winch un spool and throw to where ever it can get a bite. It will catch something. Keep safety and common since in mind. It takes very little pressure to get u moving. Also throw a shirt or some thing over the cable in case it would ever break. Thx

[jpswift1]

Great idea!