Outdrive up or down?

F

fabrickator

Recruit
Joined
May 28, 2026
Messages
1
I’m new to boating and I restored a 1986 Reinell 17’ bow rider with a 3.0l OMC with OMC Stringer outdrive.

My question is should I tow with the drive in the up or down position? I’ve read with the larger Cobra drive to use the plastic ram clips. The Stringer has no rams and instead it appears to use an electric or hydraulic gear drive. Is there a transom saving device for this type of setup or does it not matter since there are no rams to leak down. IMG_9009.jpeg
 

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rolmops

rolmops

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,733
Towing should be done with the drive up so the skeg will not hit the road at bumps and such. If the skeg bottom is at least 9 or 10 inches above the road when it is down, it would be better to have it down while towing
 
E

Earl Cordova

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2021
Messages
180
When I had an OMC Stringer I towed with the drive up, stored it with the drive down.
Also had to drain the tilt housing after every trip because it sucked in water every time it was used.
 
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