Define Dock Buster

[Bob_VT]

Simple question. What is the old Mercury Dock Buster and why? Have seen the term used and I have never seen a clear answer.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Define Dock Buster

A dock buster is a motor without a nuetral setting in the gear shift so that when you start it it is always running either forward or back...like into your dock. The old Johnson 3 hp is a dock buster. Personally, its one of my favourite terms.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Define Dock Buster

agree. the did not have neutral, when you move the controller to neutral the engine would die, and you had to restart in reverse. thus dock buster. my dad decided against buying a really nice boat because he thought it was dangerous.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Define Dock Buster

And they don't mean reverse gear. They mean the motor would actually reverse direction and run backward (e.g. crankshaft would rotate in opposite direction). 2-strokes have that ability.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Define Dock Buster

Ayuh,....... It hasn't been since the Early 60s that Merc has built them.......

The only 1 I've ever seen was a White Mercury...... So that's Pretty Old......

 

[steelespike]

Re: Define Dock Buster

While I suppose any straight drive motor could be called a dock buster,to me the true definition is the old Merc "dock busters" that operated as described.
As I recall the only one I ever saw I was still a teenager(I'm 64).And the driver was complaining then.But it was cool to see the motor restart in opposite rotation.It was thought that the big Mercs were too powerful for the regular gearcase.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Define Dock Buster

yeh Spike i was about 11y/o it was black, seems like an 85hp and was the guy explained it ran in both directions. i was really up set as i thought it was cool, and the boat was great. Dad still said no.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Define Dock Buster

When the first inline six was produced, Mercury didn't have F-N-R gearcase strong enough for it. Carl Kiekhaefer, aware of a 'silent neutral' feature of diesel engines on large ships, where instead of a transmission, the engine would stop, then reverse direction. Despite objections from the engineering department and dealers, Carl, in a rush to put the engine on the market, insisted a non-shifting version of the 4 cylinder gearcase was the way to go.
Without neutral, the monent the engine was cranking the boat was moving. Warming up at the dock was impossible and maneuvering near the dock almost impossible often dangerous, hence the name 'dock buster'. Owners also discovered that unless the engine was in perfect tune, and the battery fully charged, Silent Neutral was often Silent Forward and Silent Reverse as well.

 

[studlymandingo]

full reverse! full reverse!

full reverse! full reverse!

That sounds pretty scary!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Define Dock Buster

Direct drive is really, really annoying, even on small outboards. While I'm trying to find parts for my 9.9 Gamefisher, I'm using a 5hp Sea King. Because it lacks any sort of neutral, I use my trolling motor to leave and approach the dock.

Worse, since the 5hp, when cold, starts at a fairly high throttle setting, you have to have the boat aimed where you're going before starting it. It's a real PITA.

I'm used to it, but I still don't like it. But as a backup outboard, it cost only $50 and runs fine.

 

[Pony]

Re: Define Dock Buster

Direct drive is really, really annoying, even on small outboards. While I'm trying to find parts for my 9.9 Gamefisher, I'm using a 5hp Sea King. Because it lacks any sort of neutral, I use my trolling motor to leave and approach the dock.

Worse, since the 5hp, when cold, starts at a fairly high throttle setting, you have to have the boat aimed where you're going before starting it. It's a real PITA.

I'm used to it, but I still don't like it. But as a backup outboard, it cost only $50 and runs fine.

My uncle had a direct drive on a small tinny that acted exactly like that. It sure was funny for HIM the first time I started it up......

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Define Dock Buster

I remember this liitle beauty that my Dad used to have on his little home made boat. No reverse, not even a 180 degree rotation with the tiler and direct drive. Drain the carb to shut it off was the only way to stop it and air cooled so very noisy. Everyone sitting down before starting and carefull calculation when to drain the carb to stop....but it was simple and extremely reliable for many many years. 3hp Sea Bee.