You have a good point. In my experience, most of the crab pots are outside
the channel. If you pay attention to the markers, you will not have to worry
about crab pot lines entangling your props. By paying attention, you can
avoid those few pots that intrude on the channel.

This is based on my experience in the ICW from Norfolk to KeyWest, and around
to appalachicola and Pensacola.

The people that put these traps down do not want them cut by boats cruising
the channels -- they cost money!

I generally agree that a careful captain can avoid crab traps and make
Spurs/Prop Protectors irrelevant. However, s*** happens to even the most
careful captain and I think these devices are good insurance. I've never
snagged a crab pot in 20+ years, but did once snag a polypropylene
anchor rode (?) that some moron thought was a good substitute for
nylon/chain. It fouled the rudder of my sailboat and was very difficult
to remove.

Last winter, I had Prop Protectors installed, which use a blade instead
of the rotating cutters of Spurs. The Spurs weren't an option as there
wasn't enough room between the keel and the rudder to space the shaft
enough for the required clearance. The Prop Protector blade fit and was
a bit cheaper. It tested well in, if I dare say it, Practical Sailor.
However, I thankfully haven't experienced a live test.

John Wilson
Osprey
Newburyport 37
Oxford, MD