I’ve had a hotfoot for three years after going without one for over twenty. The hotfoot took a little getting used to, but in big waves, I have a lot more control with the hotfoot. In the past, I’ve had waves knock me into the hand throttle. I don’t know anyone who went from a hand throttle to a hotfoot that prefers the hand throttle.

@chrishampton8842

11 ай бұрын

You won’t if your spring breaks like a pro recently had in rough water and wasn’t carrying his back up. Leaving him only idle or full speed. Luckily he got back safely

@bobhunter8992

11 ай бұрын

The new seats such as Smooth Moves,should help immensely with back and neck issues.

@kennywitek771

11 ай бұрын

@@chrishampton8842 I’ve had a spring break and it’s not hard to control if you’re level headed and don’t freak out

@johnhall3860

11 ай бұрын

@@chrishampton8842 my hot foot has a toe hook on top of it like the dirt late models I used to drive. I don’t think it would be a big deal if my return spring broke. You take care and stay safe bud.

@chrishampton8842

11 ай бұрын

@@johnhall3860 yes, the pro apparently didn’t have your type, pretty decent waves had him a little freaked out. Take care

Hey Randy. I have been driving boats that way since 1973 and you are exactly right and it’s still working for me 50 years later.

Tiller handle for the win

@horbie5039

11 ай бұрын

Lol! Oars

@DSToNe19and83

11 ай бұрын

Real sailors are at the back of the boat!

Hey Randy, interesting video and I appreciate and respect your opinion. However, I have been running my bass boat with a hotfoot for many years. I will always do that because there is a major saftey consideration not related to both hands on the steering wheel. The foot throttle is, or should be, spring loaded to return the boat to idle speed if the drivers foot leaves the hotfoot pedal. Which in the case of a driver being ejected, or whatever other reason is removed the drivers seat, the boat with return to idle speed. The boat will not continue to run at a fast speed in a circle. We have all seen videos of drivers being ejected or knocked unconsious and remaing in the boat and the boat circleing at high speed potentially running over the eject person. I understand that wearing the motor kill switch lanyard will stop the boat and is the most inportant saftey device of a bass boat. People forget to connect the lanyarn at times but you can't forget the hotfoot in order to run the boat. As to hootfoot mechanical problems after 25 plus years I have had no mechanical problems with a hotfoot. I have heard of hand throtles failing. Things mechanical are subject to failure, its the nature of things mechanical. Just like all compnents of a boat and motor they shoulb be maintained properly to avoid problems. As for back problems, I have been on a lot of big water and haven't had problems navigating large waves while seated in the drivers seat. Back problems, boat or no boat will come along regardless, due to aging wear and tear and genetics. I'll stick with my foot throtle.

Dried meat never appealed to me, but after 50 years and your endorsement, tried my first jerky and made sure it was Bridgford. It was amazing and will definitely become my new regular snack. Thanks to the company for making a great product and I truly enjoy your videos.

Thanks for doing this topic again ! People are not safe with boats ! Randy the way you sit is how we do it with a small boat. The Atlantic like the Great Lakes are not forgiving ! Thanks Randy !

One big advantage to the hot foot is if your thrown from the boat

I’m about to buy my first bass boat. A ranger RT198P and it doesn’t come with a hot foot. I was thinking that I would have to immediately get one installed. Glad I found this video. I’m going to just learn on using the hand throttle.

Have been thinking about taking the hot foot out of my boat for a while now. Ill be going in for a second back surgery soon, and I think it will be necessary to take it out to continue to run my bass boat. Thanks for the great info Randy!

@hookum

11 ай бұрын

Was thanking about putting one in my boat thanks for good advise

I don't agree Randy but how you operate your boat is your call....using the hand side throttle does present a potential safety hazard...the hand throttle will not return to idle like a hot foot & sitting up higher on your leg increases the chance of you being thrown out of your seat ( or the boat)

With what you demonstrated in your video makes total sense and I agree that you have a lot more control by sitting on your knee. The hotfoot to me looks like nothing but problems and with that extra cable I am sure these will draw moisture in and cause issues with the cable sticking. Great video and thanks for providing these safety tips Randy!!

Hand control isnt safer by any stretch of the imagination. How many boat videos have we seen with ghost boats flying in high speed circles all because a boater forgot his killswitch. A hot foot is going to kill that speed to idle. How many stumps/sticks have you hit at speed? I can tell you right now ive personally hit a tree at Truman Lake going 45mph. It ripped the wheel right out of my hand and yea it was a hand control 18' crestliner. Two hands on the wheel would've helped me out alot more than one. When powering through rolling waves its much better to have two hands on the wheel. Also take into account the folks that dont have hydraulic steering. Takes alot more steering effort putting your one hand at a further disadvantage. Your opinion doesnt mean its the best for everybody or the best period. Ive drove both and much prefer a hotfoot.

Hotfoot for me.

You did a nice video and explained things that are your opinion. You say to experiment to see what works best for you and in the same breath call people sheep that want to try a hotfoot because they seen one. What is safe for you might not be safe for someone else. In my opinion, sitting on your knee seems like it would give you less control of the wheel. When you are sitting down you are in a fixed position with control, it seems like on your knee that you would be bouncing around more. I could be wrong about that but it seems that way to me.

I think there are pro's and con's in both. I like my hot foot a lot better. Didn't use to have one until about 15 years ago and now I would not feel right without it. And yes there are some safety advantages for the hot foot too. #1 you are not as likely to get thrown from the boat sitting down as you are on your knee, #2 if you do get thrown from the boat and your kill switch fails or you are not wearing it the boat will drop down to an idle. There are more reasons but the main one i would say , it is all according to which works for you, everybody is not the same..

100% agree. My mom taught me driving with knee on seat growing up on a big bay of Lake Michigan

I've never had one and never will.

100% agree with you Randy

A hundred percent agree. This goes for cars also. Ive been driving a stick since 1970 and never have two hands on the wheel. The same in the boat

I am open minded about things and have to say it probably depends on the individual. One of the negative things I could see with sitting on your knee is your body being higher leaves more chance of being thrown out. I have used both and run a hot foot and can see both sides. I do tend to agree with the response time being better without the hot foot BUT it has to be someone that is “ Johnny On The Spot”!

A faulty Hotfoot was likely responsible for a double fatality during the Hudson River Invitational back in '84 or '85. The return spring had broken and was rigged up with a string to pull it up. You may have been at that one, Randy.

@andywilliamson7846

5 ай бұрын

Jimmy Atkinson and Daniel Barragan were killed in an accident on the Hudson River during the 1986 B.A.S.S. New York Invitational. That may be the tournament you are referring to. Yes, Randy Blaukat was in the tournament.

@richerwin6397

5 ай бұрын

@@andywilliamson7846 I believe that may be the one. The partner of the fisherman who was driving the boat with the faulty throttle refused to ride back to the trailer with that boater, possibly saved his own life with that decision.

Randy , Fisherman that want to use a leader are not SHEEP ! 99 percent of the Pro’s today are using leaders with a drop shot !!! And I did watch the whole video on the Hot Foot ! Personally I watched your videos for other reasons than fishing because I don’t fish the way you do ! And I have been Bass Fishing for 5 decades! Im like the Guy before me saying I need a break from your attitude! I have been a loyal watcher of your channel but I’m to old to be called one of the sheep ! I personally love leaders and they have increased my bites for sure . Take care I will check in from time to time.

@motherlodebassin5369

11 ай бұрын

I hope you have a nice day. Randy was making a point about the myth around leaders not calling you personally a sheep.

@MrFishhook

11 ай бұрын

@@motherlodebassin5369 There is no myth about leaders ! All the Pro’ are using them lol…. Saves allot of money! Most of the people on this utube don’t fish tournaments! It’s like Randy has said many times ! When you get old like he is , you lose patience, you don’t take the time to tie a real good leader knot . Randy cannot fish at a high level anymore because of his age . Im not going to sweat having a leader break every once in a while lol…..To me straight fluorocarbon has too much memory! And Btw I don’t like FFS ! But it isn’t going away unless state fisheries ban it !

Driving fast you kind of need a hotfoot , I like my hotfoot my opinion , I run the coast of the Gulf of Mexico always , super fast boats u have to use 2 hands to keep the bass boat on the pad , that takes a back and forth steering , I like ur opinion too , this is why blinker trim and Jack plate are on the steering wheel

I’ve run both and agree with you not running a hotfoot. I had one stick while running wide open, it took three hard kicks back for it to release and you’ll get a little better on gas mileage with out a hotfoot at least for two cycle outboards

Never had a hot foot...I have caught myself getting on one knee like you explained when the water gets rough just to be able to see what's happening in front of me..very good explanation...ide take your advice over a yahoo any day...lol...thanks

My newest/used 08 ride has a hot foot. I use to like them but have kind of went your way. Don't use blinker trim either but it's on this one. Running from Bucksaw to upper Sac I would have to switch feet using the HF.

I have a hot foot in my Skeeter but I totally agree with Randy. The big difference between me and many others is I am 70 years old and been retired since 2015. I fished tournaments for years and when in rough conditions the hot foot was an issue. Now when I go out fishing I only go when weather conditions are nice. In other words no high winds, no big waves etc. So listen to what Randy has to say, he is dead on.

I bought a used boat a few months back with a hot foot and I hate it. I’m getting rid of that hot foot.

wait, you can't put your knee on the seat. It goes like this. cigarette in left hand, beer in right hand, steer with right knee, throttle with right elbow. This leaves you free in an emergency to put the cigarette in your mouth and use your left hand to flip off other boaters. You wouldn't want to face 8-foot waves Randy's way. Who wants to die sober and jonesing for nicotine? On a serious note, if you are going to drive up on a knee, you might consider putting your throwable (type IV) under your knee, so you don't rip out your seat. There again I have only been in water that rough a few times and the preservation of my seat was not a major concern at the time.

First boat was a 72 Venture in 1972, and never added a hotfoot, then went to a Norris Craft with a hot foot. Through the years and the boats I settled for the Ranger and will keep it forever, and decided no hotfoot as running many miles back and forth on the TN river and long runs on Dale Hollow, I will use the hand throttle for the rest of my years.

I’m hot foot all the way, especially long runs wide open. No better way imo.

I had my Hotfoot get stuck in the full throttle position twice. For a couple of seconds I pondered what I was going to do. The first time I turned off the key and the second, I pulled the kill switch. Took it into the shop and they repaired it. So yeah, it's another mechanical thing that can fail.

My back is a big concern. I've been considering trying to figure out how to install a "SmoothMove" seat in my bass boat. I do have to say, if the lake is too rough to ride sitting down, the weekend warrior (non-pro) has no business out there.

I bought a champion had hot foot unhooked because it stuck wide open wouldn't pull up or come unstuck so I had to pull my kill switch so had macallister marine unhook it never will use one again I'm 59 years old I agree with you 100percent RANDY it happened several times also before I got it unhooked I also say boats handle better with out the hot foot

Mike Swofford Great advise

You only need both hands on the wheel if you drive like a maniac or everyone around you is

Interesting. Upshaw was just talking about how his hot foot broke a spring on Castledines last video.

Tried a hotfoot and went back to hand throttle. I dont know why you need 2 hands on the wheel anyways. Ive drove my late model every night with 1 hand.

That makes alot of sense.

Disagree, ive owned my own boat sice 95, and have had both running kentucky lake in the bad stuff.respect your opinion,but hot foot is for me. P.s. im a grandpa driver. My boat would probably run 75, but only sees about 65

Its killing me i cant find the old video i watched this weekend of randy driving like this going back in shalloow water, he had espn crew with him i do believe like early to mid 90s .lynn dollar or bassmasters dont recall good watch as all the oldies are

Agree 💯

I still go back and forth on this one. My first boat was a Ranger that didn’t have a hotfoot. My new Nitro came with one. Wish you could turn them on and off. I do feel safer with two hands running across the lake in normal conditions. Much rather have just the throttle navigating shallow water and especially loading the boat on the trailer. Part of this is even though I’m 65 I just started fishing in 2020. Have not been faced with really big waves or at least nothing more than those created by 15 mph wind with higher gusts. Lake Fork can get rough buts it’s not the Great Lakes for sure. I took up fishing after having to quit bowling after my fourth back surgery, so sure don’t want boating to add to my history with those. How hard is it to remove a hotfoot if you wanted to go back to just hand throttle?

@johnmiller5987

11 ай бұрын

All lakes are different. Even the great lakes are different. Sometimes shallow narrow lakes can channel the wind. Shallow water white caps easier. You can be in 6' rollers on the great lakes and it can be no big deal. However 3' white caps on a shallow narrow lakes can be scary. The waves get much closer together and just pound you. As apposed to a gentle rolling waves.

Had hotfoot on my last boat and hated it. I never run 60 miles but my foot would hurt after only 10-15 minutes. Can’t imagine after 30-60 minutes. New boat doesn’t have one and I’ll never own another boat with one.

I agree with you about a hot foot in big water. I love my hot foot, but I don't fish on huge water

its funny ive barely had a boat for a little bit but i go out almost daily and drive it like you do also. im at ky lake most the time an this lake can get some rollers. the guys ive known through my life with hotfoot on their boats were guys who had more or less a fast big engine boat and would only take it out on super calm days and go super fast.. some were 1/4 mile racers its crazy at castaic lake lower lagoon they used to race modified boats back in the day, no stands nothing seperating crowd from if a boat went off course and came on land. but ya the knee helps to just see everything a lot better period especially in my deep v with a trolling motor up front. luckily the waves dont mess with deep v too much but ya you still dont want to be banging on every wave.. some people just dont know hw to drive with waves though period.. one of my friends when i go out with him he drives straight into the waves everytime and its bang a thon i told him to watch some vids and learn to drive a boat in the waves and he always gets mad and doesnt think he is driving wrong lol.

I agree on that one, I'm removing mine this fall, the great lakes beat me to death

I like the hotfoot. It works for me. It does get a little old holding your foot in one spot on long runs. Driving without a hotfoot will not keep you from getting spinal surgery when you get older. It just won’t.

After 30 years of use there is no way I would give it up based on your information. Most of it is a non issue for me.

I just commented this a couple days ago, our small club had the same guy crash twice, hotfoot both times. Second crash he took out another boat, broke both the guys legs, totaled his boat and the other guys. Sad part is he was warned the week before, lucky he didn’t kill the guy.

@davidharvey9467

Ай бұрын

Did the hotfoot cause him to crash? If not, that is an irrelevant story.

@oxyfee6486

Ай бұрын

@@davidharvey9467 What part of “Hot Foot both Times “ didn’t ya understand?😂

@davidharvey9467

Ай бұрын

⁠@@oxyfee6486Just because you say hotfoot both times don’t mean sh*t. Now if you said the hotfoot caused the crash both times, that might mean something. I very seriously doubt that the hotfoot caused the crash. That doesn’t even make sense that the hotfoot caused the crash. You wouldn’t know what caused the crash unless the person told you out of his own mouth so quit telling stories like you’re cool or something.

@oxyfee6486

Ай бұрын

@davidharvey9467 “Same guy crashed twice, Hot Foot Both Times” 😅😂😅

@oxyfee6486

Ай бұрын

@davidharvey9467 Reading comprehension isn’t your thing huh? 😂🤣😂🤣

Someone needs to come out with a really good shock absorbing boat seat

@PaintballShyguy

11 ай бұрын

They have air ride seats but I can see it launching someone unless it has some special valving.

The hot foot sounds good for having control of the throttle but a higher seat would help. Lots of Navy SEALS get medical retirement because of the damage to their backs from riding in rough seas. They'll hurt you if you don't ride right. Absorbing the shock with your legs has to help.

Lots of guys buy and use useless stuff because a pro did or said it was a “ game changer”…🤣🤣hot foot, cooling prop nut, plastic motor support, plastic stop steer, etc. etc….. selling lots of stuff you don’t need is the way of the industry theses days🤷🏻‍♂️

The area under the console is a catch-all for everything.......Water bottles, cans & trash, wads of old line, jigs and plastic baits,ect. And all that shit will invariably find its way behind the hotfoot. Every hotfoot equipped boat that comes into my shop has a rats nest around the hotfoot. They are a terrible idea.

@keithvittitow2474

11 ай бұрын

If you have all that shit under your console the hotfoot is not the problem.

@glensims7959

11 ай бұрын

@@keithvittitow2474 Theres nothing under MINE..... but look at everyone else's, and you'll quickly see what I mean.

@johnhall3860

11 ай бұрын

Maybe they should clean their boat out. Probably one of the fishermen I was following the other weekend and had a soda bottle, bag and looked like zoom bait bags blow out running down the lake.

I had one boat with hot foot never again I’ll just stay with what I’m used to.

I also do not use a hotfoot....Im 62, and have back trouble, and I also ride that way in rough water....Its just as safe, period!

So I should do this as a Co angler???? Put yourself in my shoes. If I attempted to do this my boater would look at me crazy and say are you really gonna ride like that? Me driving my boat is different.

While you points have some merit a hot foot is also a safety device. While you should always wear your kill switch if for some reason you are thrown away from the console and your kill switch doesn't deactivate the engine at least with the hot foot your boat slows to an idle not an out of control spin. See the attached video. But to each his own, I personally will never own another boat without a hot foot. kzread.info/dash/bejne/mamEyJRyoqaqn9o.html

No hot foot for me bought a new nitro in 17 the dealer was drooling to put one in my new boat jut never have like them not knocking it’s just not for me

What is the percentage of Elite series and MLF pro's that use a hot foot !!! I bet 90%+

I’m sorry bud I’ve hung in there with you for a very long time but can’t handle when you come off with your Holler than thou attitude. I have a close friend just like you and I have to just turn him off every now and then. If you want to make recommendations based on your experience that’s one thing but you come off like anyone who doesn’t do exactly what you do is less than you. Take care and stay safe I’ll give you a shot a little later down the road.

@kennywitek771

11 ай бұрын

Exactly, it’s crazy that it’s more of this way or no way. Vs here is my suggestion

@jeffreyjensen1553

11 ай бұрын

Randy is always right and everyone else is wrong

@allenfowler1794

11 ай бұрын

Have to agree.

@KayleeG0

11 ай бұрын

Exactly I have been done with him. I think he makes these videos just to get YT hype and clicks. This guy wants to get rid of hotfoot and all types of innovations made in this sport. I don’t have FFS but am not against it. This guy sounds like a dinosaur 🦖

@ziggyblue782

11 ай бұрын

Randy doesn’t make suggestions or give advice, he makes accusations. Then makes a video about the haters that comment on his video. Haters being anybody with an alternative opinion.

You’ve done this video already right?

@randyblaukatintuitive

11 ай бұрын

Yep that’s what I said at the start

@oldfishermanandhisdog

11 ай бұрын

I use to competive water ski and took the boat driving class given by MasterCraft Boats and what Randy described sitting on his knee is exactly how they taught to drive a boat in rough water.

Ol randy running of of ideas of rubbing his worms so has to make his 5th or 6th video about how hot foots are the devil

@randyblaukatintuitive

11 ай бұрын

No, I’ve only done one video on it before over two years ago. We’ve added over 80,000 subscribers to the channel since then so I think there’s a pretty good chance a bunch of people have not seen it.

@kennywitek771

11 ай бұрын

@@randyblaukatintuitive you have done more than one.

Definitely prefer a hotfoot on bass boats, especially high performance bass boats.

Old man yells at clouds. No hot foot. No FFS. Do you just love being a pissed off old man all the time? Cause you don’t like anything made after 1970 doesn’t mean you’re right. Hot Foots are way more safer than without. If you can’t see over the console, you need a booster seat or get rid of those 16” double stacked units.

Most of your viewers don't know what it's like when big waves are stacked close together and having to go against em and needing to get the bow to the next wave . Bone jarring hits. Slow on plane speed is a big deal.

Hot Foots are junk. Absolutely a fools tool. Trust me I was born on a boat I built myself

@randyblaukatintuitive

11 ай бұрын

Truth

Nope, Nope , Nope. Why? No one needs a hot foot. Hands on throttle and stick!!!