reverse locking lever

[larky]

While reading an earlier post, a question came to mind. While using an outboard in questionable water (depth) should the reverse locking lever be set to alow the engine to rise if it strikes an under water object or runs aground? If so is there still a chance of damage? Its not like I will ignore my depth finder or take foolish risks but just wondering if it was desinged to be used to help "reduce" damage to the lower unit. Should I leave it unlocked if I'm in water that makes me nervous? Tell me your thoughts. This is only my second season owning and operatiang a boat and I'm still learning.

Thanks in advance for your knowlege and experience

 

[larky]

Re: reverse locking lever

sorry forgot to mention.... 1959 35hp evinrude

 

[jimmbo]

Re: reverse locking lever

It is supposed to release upon an impact, how fast you need to be going I don't know. My dad and my uncles always left their engines in the unlocked postion

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: reverse locking lever

i try to run mine unlocked. occasionally forget to unlock it after leaving the dock. when ski i also ran locked, because when your skier is preparing, you have to bump reverse so much is a stong wind i blowing.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: reverse locking lever

sorry forgot to mention.... 1959 35hp evinrude

Cool engine. I used to have the Johnson equivalent. I run unlocked all the time, for the reason you mentioned. You do have to use caution when in reverse. I just never run in reverse above a very slow speed. Never had a problem with the engine lifting in reverse because of that.

Leaving the engine unlocked like that saved me a bunch of money once, when I hit a submerged log at about half throttle. Outboard tilted up and I went on about my business with no damage. YMMV.

 

[larky]

Re: reverse locking lever

thanks again for everyones replies. I think I will now run "unlocked" most of the time. I definitely need to be as kind to this motor as I can

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: reverse locking lever

i'm waiting for UPS to deliver a 58 35hp johnny.

 

[larky]

Re: reverse locking lever

my 59' has been great so far. With the help of all these fine folks I will try to take care of her the best I can. Good luck gettin your 58 runnin, no doubt you'll be successful.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: reverse locking lever

My four has been broken so it doesn't lock down. Sure glad, as the first stump I hit, hit us hard. Second stump, well, at idle speed, dad didn't feel the jolt as he was in the bow and I am at the tiller. Depth finder read 9 ft. too. Stump poked up 9 feet.

I would leave it unlocked as that first stump surely would have damaged something big time were it locked.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: reverse locking lever

Always unlocked in foward motion.
Locked in Reverse, as engine will want raise, with heavy throttle.