Storing with drive off?

[tarheelebbtide]

Hey guys...another question here. Is it advisable to store the boat for winter with the drive removed? I'm planning to replace impeller and sand/repaint some rough spots over the winter. To me, it makes sense to do this with it off the boat and just reinstall in spring.

How vulnerable is the gimbal housing, etc to weather? Will I be ok leaving this off? Thanks!

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Storing with drive off?

No problem.
Lots of people do this routinely. Mine is off right now since I'm replacing the impeller, etc..... Will leave it off till spring.

You can cover up the opening with something. I just cover it with thick plastic. Others fashion something out of plywood, and I believe they even make a cover specifically for this.

Dont' forget to refill it with lube, if needed, when you re-attach it!

 

[PitchFork]

Re: Storing with drive off?

I thought about doing the same thing. If I do I am going to take a seal gasket and trace it and cut a metal plate to cover the opening. Since I work for a metal shop and have access to scanning machines and other laser cutting equipment it should be easy to make out of a piece of Aluminum.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Storing with drive off?

i'm on my 3rd year storing my drive inside over the winter.

at the very least i like the idea that the criminals can't just unbolt and have my drive.

i defer my impeller replacement till mid winter after i've hopefully gained some cash back from spending it all on boating all summer long.

How vulnerable is the gimbal housing, etc to weather? Will I be ok leaving this off?

i would think some. the first year i used a plastic bag over the bell housing. that worked poorly so i made a plastic cover for the bell housing. wood would do too. ya can buy a cover too. http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/RU-169.htm

a pic of my home made cover..

made out of Plexiglas.. didn't take to long to make either..

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Storing with drive off?

I put this together in 10 minutes. 2 pieces of scrap 3/4 in Thermax sheething with a laundry soap bottle cap in between. Snugged down with the outdrive nuts. Just one more idea...

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Storing with drive off?

I just used a trash bag with blue painters tape. Those other solutions, though, are way cooler! However, mine was still very functional.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Storing with drive off?

I remove mine so the bellows gets a rest. I think I will make a cover this year.

 

[tarheelebbtide]

Re: Storing with drive off?

Thanks for the ideas guys. Right now, I'm using the trash bag. I think I will fashion one of these though. Luckily, despite the near sinking, there was very little water in there and the universal joints are still slick with grease and no rust to be found....whew!

Not so lucky on the starter though....took it off and cleaned and regreased it 2 weeks ago after the dunking...got it going and it worked great. 2 weeks worth of sitting again and the solenoid is DOA though. The fun just never ends!

 

[Dshow]

Re: Storing with drive off?

Anybody know where you can buy one?

 

[thumpar]

Re: Storing with drive off?

Looks like you can get them here http://www.boatbandit.com/detail.aspx?ID=2551&Model=RM1001 Fits #1/Alpha