Ice advice
We were trapped in a harbor in Ontario 2 weeks ago by 300 yards of 1 ft thick ice sheet before the open water. We experimented with various ice breaking techniques including pick axe and sledge hammer until we discovered one that worked very well.
First of all you need to lash the helm and set the throttle close to full ahead. Then exit the rib. With one person standing on the ice either side at the bow, grip the boat firmly with both hands and bounce it up and down. You need to jump in as soon as she gets underway or the ice breaks underfoot.
I did wonder about damage to the prop as it juddered and smashed against blocks of broken ice. (Feels like like driving over rocks) However it caused no apparent damage other than removing all the paint.
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