Question about storing boat

[Lou_F]

I have read on here it is a good idea to store your boat with the outdrive in the down position. Problem is, if I try to put it all the way down, it rubs on the ground. The trailer is too low to clear the outdrive. It almost makes it when I crank the hitch all the way down, but not quite.
So, is it better to leave it UP or ALMOST all the way down?
The trailer came new with the boat from the factory, so it is supposed to be set up for that boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Question about storing boat

So, is it better to leave it UP or ALMOST all the way down?

Ayuh,...

Either as Low as possible,..
Or,...
Better Yet,.... Off the boat...

 

[drrm123]

Re: Question about storing boat

if possible pull trailer wheels on top of some 2X6's to raise height. and raise bow of boat so water will drain if any gets inside, if your storing boat outside.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Question about storing boat

a couple things about storing the drive down.
1. if enough water gets in the exhaust cavity and freezes. by by lower unit.
2. if you store the drive down you keep the strain off the bellows, as keeping it down leaves the bellows in a more relaxed position
3. the trim cylinders are less likely to corrode if they are in their tubes and kept in an oil bath.

drrm123 is correct. drive down and bow up. I have a lot of customers that are in the same situation as you. it's nothing a couploe of 2x6's cant fix.

 

[Backyardhockey]

Re: Question about storing boat

I dug a pit.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Question about storing boat

I dug a pit.

We had a "water feature" in the back yard that was poorly installed - self draining.

Now it is a "water toy" feature, just back the boat to it and drop the drive.

 

[jayrodoh]

Re: Question about storing boat

It is best all the way down for the bellows and water drainage. If you can't get it all the way, at least set it on a piece of wood and disconnect your hydro rams (one nut on each side) and retract them all the way in to protect the exposed metal.

As mentioned before, best stored off the boat in the garage.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Question about storing boat

If your bellows are in good condition, it will not hurt them having the drive stored in the up position.

Water accumulation in the drive is another story.
Water = Ice
Ice = damage

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Question about storing boat

While hooked up to truck where your going to store it jack each wheel up 6-10 inchs and lay some wood across under the tires.

let the boat down, do both tires or 4 tires and put the bow all the way up as far as you can with drive all the way down.

Or pull the drive and put in garage or basement.

Make sure you leave the plug out.

Really best to pull drive every year to inspect everything. Good to inspect the gimbal, and rubber every year.

Good to drain the drive and put new gear oil when you lay it up also.

Also oil change and filter change on motor, pull drain plugs on motor.

 

[Lou_F]

Re: Question about storing boat

I dug a pit.

Good idea, but seeing as how it will be stored in the garage, wife won't let me break up the concrete.

Thanks for the idea on the 2X6's. I will try that.

 

[Lou_F]

Re: Question about storing boat

While hooked up to truck where your going to store it jack each wheel up 6-10 inchs and lay some wood across under the tires.

let the boat down, do both tires or 4 tires and put the bow all the way up as far as you can with drive all the way down.

Or pull the drive and put in garage or basement.

Make sure you leave the plug out.

Really best to pull drive every year to inspect everything. Good to inspect the gimbal, and rubber every year.

Good to drain the drive and put new gear oil when you lay it up also.

Also oil change and filter change on motor, pull drain plugs on motor.

I intend to change the oil and filter before I store it, but since it is a new boat with less than 50 hrs, and under warranty, I don't think I will pull the drive this year. As far as changing the drive oil, the dealer recommended since it is new, just draining some oil and inspecting for any water the first year, then changing oil yearly after that.

 

[orion25]

Re: Question about storing boat

Good idea, but seeing as how it will be stored in the garage, wife won't let me break up the concrete.

Thanks for the idea on the 2X6's. I will try that.

If it will be stored in the garage, just lower the front of the trailer enough to let the drive go all the way down. That is unless you have a garage with a LOT of water leaks..............

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Question about storing boat

Maybe this year the boat will be in the garage.

Next year outside.

Never had a car in my garage overnight.

Lawn mower, snow thrower, kids bikes, quads, compressors, and tools, upright freezer, and refrigerator, pressure washer, generator, thousand pairs of shoes.

Worked on cars when raining in garage though.