Remove outdrive?

[edsmax]

I usually have my outdrive removed by the marina every winter and stored in their indoor heated garage. This year, I plan to store my boat elsewhere - when I asked the new marina storage facility manager if he would remove the outdrive, he said I didnt need to. He would have it shrinkwrapped and it should be fine.
Thoughts? I know many people recommend removing your drive for theft reasons, but are they ok to last through a cold New England winter? Any special service that needs to be done?

 

[Lazy Daze]

The drive, itself, really doesn't need anything special in regards to winterizing (other than changing the fluid - winter or spring - greasing the shafts, etc) as long as it's been tipped to allow the water to drain out. Although, during a normal winterizing process, AF will have gone into the drive, anyways.

It's not a bad idea to remove it every year, but it isn't necessary.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I leave our BIII on. I'm guessing you have never personally removed a BIII drive. It is one heavy cookie! Seriously though, if you are in a reasonably secure area theft should not be a problem. I do remove my props and coat the shafts with grease and wrap them with a cotton cloth.

Henry

 

[Lazy Daze]

If it makes you feel a little better, you can install a drive lock - it replaces one of the nuts that holds the drive on and can stay on year round. Don't lose the key!

 

[tbirdvet]

I leave the drives on. I have a McGard lock on each drive. I remove the props (that is what would be taken if anything) since the splines need to be greased anyway. I reinstall in the spring.

 

[edsmax]

Great, thanks for the advice. I just bought a McGard drive lock and I will remove my B3 props.

What kind of grease is used on the splines?

 

[tbirdvet]

Great, thanks for the advice. I just bought a McGard drive lock and I will remove my B3 props.

What kind of grease is used on the splines?

I use the Merc. 2-4-c grease on the prop splines. This will prevent any possible sticking of the props on the splines for easy removal in the future. I'm sure there are other lubes that work as well.

 

[Old Vet]

Varying opinions obviously.....not going to suggest anyone is more right or wrong than anyone else but......

My personal preference is to remove the drive every year. My comfort level is higher when I inspect and lube u joints. I'd rather know this fall that they are in good shape than find out the hard way next spring after launch. My 2 cents. "shrug"

 

[Westie]

Great, thanks for the advice. I just bought a McGard drive lock and I will remove my B3 props.

What kind of grease is used on the splines?

Service manual says to use engine coupler spline grease