Storage question

pat8839

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 18, 2008
Messages
270
Just wondering if anyone trims their engine all the way down when setting their boat up for storage for extended periods of time (4-6 weeks).
I did read some where that it is better for the trim system to leave the outdrive down...
Thanks for your input!
 

BTMCB

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
761
Re: Storage question

Yip. Store with drive down to help preserve bellows. My drive is down unless boat is being towed.
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Re: Storage question

It depends. Outboard or I/O? It's easier on the bellows of an I/O if you lower the drive.
 

26aftcab454

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
1,510
Re: Storage question

I store my outboard down to make sure all the water is drained out.

the in/out down also cuz it is better for the bellows.
 

pat8839

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 18, 2008
Messages
270
Re: Storage question

Awesome, thanks guys! I'll go lower it this afternoon...sorry forgot to say that it is an I/O
 

veritas honus

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
1,876
Re: Storage question

Awesome, thanks guys! I'll go lower it this afternoon...sorry forgot to say that it is an I/O

Look at the Bellows in the outdrive down and up. You'll see that they are stretched when the outdrive is up. Prolonged stretch = prolonged wear. Keeping the drive down while the boat is not being used also prevents water accumulation. Just thought I'd add an explanation... And my .02
 

blifsey

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 17, 2002
Messages
769
Re: Storage question

I put drive down when unhitching after tow home. I installed a transom mounted switch to make raising/lowering it while on trailer much easier.

I also loosen the transom and bow straps to relieve stress on them. Now that I have OB, I'm still trim motor down to let water drain.
 

Brewman61

Ensign
Joined
Jun 10, 2010
Messages
996
Re: Storage question

For my I/O I keep the drive down unless it needs to be up- for trailering, shallow water, etc...........
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: Storage question

i'll jump on the band wagon.
mine is down all the time unless it's being towed on the trailer..
i go one step further too. for my winter layup. i remove the drive and store it inside. there's pm to do that requires the drive removal anyways... ie. grease coupler, grease ujoints, inspect for water intrusion, inspect for gear lub in the bellows are a few..
 
Top