outdrive position

[larbaby2th]

In the water, can the outdrive while docked, come totally out of the water to protect the outdrive from the elements? Mine does not-am I doing something wrong or is this just the way it is? SeaRay 1990, 20 ft. cuddy, mercruiser 454. Thanks

 

[CliffA]

In the water, can the outdrive while docked, come totally out of the water to protect the outdrive from the elements? Mine does not-am I doing something wrong or is this just the way it is? SeaRay 1990, 20 ft. cuddy, mercruiser 454. Thanks

no, the outdrive will not come completely out of the water, even when raised all the way with the 'Trailer' switch....that's one advantage that boats equipped with outboard engines have compared to sterndrive boats....outboard engines can be raised completely out of the water.....

cliff

 

[Lazy Daze]

Leave it all the way down. It won't come out enough - however, the ant-ventilation plate anode probably WILL be out of the water, which would affect your corrosion resistance.

 

[Gunn]

Leave it all the way down. It won't come out enough - however, the ant-ventilation plate anode probably WILL be out of the water, which would affect your corrosion resistance.

You also want to leave it full down to prevent excessive wear on the bellows on your outdrive (shift cable, U-joint and exhaust). In the full up position, the bellows are extended. Full down, they are compressed. Most recommend that leaving them compressed will increase their life expectency.

Tom

 

[Henry Boyd]

You also want to leave it full down to prevent excessive wear on the bellows on your outdrive (shift cable, U-joint and exhaust). In the full up position, the bellows are extended. Full down, they are compressed. Most recommend that leaving them compressed will increase their life expectency.

Tom

I have heard that as well, and logically it makes sense. However, we have to lift our drive up to the trailer position as the mooring gets too shallow at low tide. We haven't seen any accelerated wear on the bellows, and believe me it is checked carefully each spring.

Henry

 

[JimG]

BTW... Welcome to CSR!

 

[Molson]

I have heard that as well, and logically it makes sense. However, we have to lift our drive up to the trailer position as the mooring gets too shallow at low tide. We haven't seen any accelerated wear on the bellows, and believe me it is checked carefully each spring.

Henry

When I had my bellows done last year they said to leave them down for a week or so so they "set". I explained that I needed to trim up because of the lovely low Georgian Bay water at my slip and they indicated it will be fine, but its better to leave them down.

 

[Henry Boyd]

When I had my bellows done last year they said to leave them down for a week or so so they "set". I explained that I needed to trim up because of the lovely low Georgian Bay water at my slip and they indicated it will be fine, but its better to leave them down.

Would if I could, but I'd rather not have the stern drive doubling as a boat stand!

Seriously they were talking about the adhesive they use to bond the bellows to the metal. When I had ours done after getting the boat in 07, we did it in the following spring while it was still on stands.

Henry


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[kaz911]

As I have said before - in hot climate the problem is a different one...

1. Barnacles will grow everywhere and attach to the stretched parts of the bellows - since it is a nice plain surface. When you then lower the drive - you might puncture the bellows.
2. The barnacles will also grow on the hydraulic arms - since they are extended - once you "trim down" you can damage the hydraulic rams with barnacle parts.

I live in a harbour and after "forgetting" to replace zincs - damaged hydraulic rams from growths is very common. They harbour guys are trying to educate people - but some guys coming from outboards "knows better". So I have seen them dive for hours cleaning hydraulic rods or standing on the stern drive to try to force it down...