Can I lubricate the cutlass bearing with something so I quickly test forward and reverse on the trailer

[Rugglesworth]

Hi there, new to me direct drive ski boat. I haven't had it in the water yet due to the weather etc. but plan on doing so soon. The nearest water is an inlet of the ocean. That being said, I'd like to make sure the tranny works before putting it in the ocean as that's a different animal versus a lake where this is mostly going to be used. Can I spray something in the cutlass bearing to quickly shift it in and out of forward and reverse to make sure it's good? I've only owned OB's and I/O's previously so I am proceeding with caution here. Also what about the packing? If it's not safe I won't do it.

Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

plain ordinary water with a hose

 

[Rugglesworth]

plain ordinary water with a hose
what about the packing? Is that an issue?

 

[Scott06]

plain ordinary water with a hose

what about the packing? Is that an issue?

Water is what lubes it in use

 

[racerone]

With the boat in the water there is water under pressure to keep the packing cool.----And a slight drip of water should come through the packing when underway.----Careful if you are going to run with dry packing.

 

[kenny nunez]

When I had a straight inboard boat I mounted a spray bar on the trailer with some plastic pipe with some holes drilled that kept the bearing cool.

 

[Rugglesworth]

Water is what lubes it in use

yes I am aware, I was taking about when on the trailer. I've decided I'll dip it into the ocean after work tonight to test it and set the final idle

 

[cyclops222]

There is a correct procedure to adjusting the pressure on the packing.

 

[Rugglesworth]

There is a correct procedure to adjusting the pressure on the packing.

yep we'll see how it looks tonight when she goes in the water. I haven't touched the packing. The boat is new to me. Just put a brand new carb and rewired some rats nests up until this point.