what is a drift sock?

Question

I was reviewing the ad for the outboard motor I recently bought. (1984 70hp Evinrude VRO) It said,... "motor is good for back-trolling with a drift sock". What is a drift sock?>>I am NEW to boating REAL new.

Answer 1

Have you ever seen a windsock at an airport? it is pretty much the same thing, it is a large sock that you put into the water and then it will try to pull you along with the current. you then adjust your engine to where you stay in one position, and because the drift sock is pulling your bow in one direction it will also keep the boat from turning on its axis.

Answer 2

Instead of the "drift sock" your always putting it in and taking it out. If you fish a lot, it's a pain. I put a spring loaded plate on the back of the motor, it cost $125.00 installed and can be raised and lowered with a cord, very easy and out of the way.

Your motor obviously won't go slow enough to troll so what you use is this drift sock, it opens up like a parachute in the water and slows to boat down to a slight crawl. You'll need it for trolling or you simply won't be able to control you boat enough.

Answer 3

I know my answer is a little late but I have to put in my two cents. One of the first lessons you'll learn in boating is that wind is a powerful force to be reckoned with on the water. Sometimes it can get you in to trouble fast. If you have engine trouble or something else goes wrong, the wind can throw you into a bank, dock or whatever VERY quickly. A drift sock helps fishermen contend with the wind without anchoring the boat. Anchoring can be a real challenge sometimes. The drift sock also is useful for specific types of fishing where the bait needs to move slowly through the water.

Answer 4

Its also called a sea anchor. It looks like a small heavy duty parachute about 3 foot or so across at the mouth. It keeps you from drifting with the wind.

Answer 5

It kinda looks like a parachute for the water. If ya drift bottom fishing, the breeze will have you moving fast compared to the water current. Toss this overboard & you'll move with the water. =^ )

Answer 6

A condom