Starting

[canyonken]

1996 4.3 liter mercruiser with Alpha one gen II on a 18 foot searay.

Dumb question - Is it safe (damage) to start the boat in the water (neutral) with the trim all the way up in trailer position with the water pickup just under the water ????

I have not been doing that. I will only start it with the trim up against the trim limit.

Reason asking is the water is too shallow when beached on sand bar to put the outdrive down. I usually push off and drift into deeper water to lower the drive past trailer limit and then start the boat in neutral. When current or wind is moving it can be a Stupid Human trick unfolding if it does not start on first key turn....

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Starting

I wouldn't do it. It puts the u-joints at too sharp an angle. Get a pole to push off with and gain deeper water.

 

[canyonken]

Re: Starting

okay - so I am figuring -

In neutral - the U-joints are spinning with the engine but not engaged in the outdrive to turn the prop ?? Is this correct.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Starting

Yes, in neutral with the engine running the u-joints are turning.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting

Ayuh,... In Neutral,... Everything but the propshaft is turning...