using outdrive for a boost

[tlihou]

Can you guys settle a concern I am having?

I usually use the outdrive as a stool or sorts when jumping in the boat while it's on the trailer. A buddy of mine saw me do it recently, and told me never to do that as it can damage the outdrive/trim system, etc.

But, other boaters I have talked to say it's nothing to put weight on it for short periods of time, like climbing into the back of the boat.

It's a 2008 Volvo-Penta 5.0L with an SX-A outdrive...and I weigh about 200 pounds. I've only had this boat for a couple of weeks. Our other boat didn't sit as high on the trailer, so getting in via the side (the wheel wells) was much easier.

Thanks...

 

[Don S]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

You could be 350 lbs, and jump up and down on it and you can't hurt it.
Might scratch the paint, but that's about it.
PS, I am a Volvo certified drive tech. Been to the schools, in case your buddy wants to know.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

don`t think it would hurt the drive BUT it could destroy the "Crown Jewels"

 

[tlihou]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

The crown jewels...yowza...

Thanks for the info Don...I'll be sure to pass it along...

 

[Alumarine]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

mini-hijack

Would this apply to Mercruiser drives as well?

You could be 350 lbs, and jump up and down on it and you can't hurt it.
Might scratch the paint, but that's about it.
PS, I am a Volvo certified drive tech. Been to the schools, in case your buddy wants to know.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

Yes. The Mercruisers are plenty strong enough to stand on as well.

 

[Don S]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

mini-hijack

Would this apply to Mercruiser drives as well?

Absolutely, any of them can be jumped on without harm. It's a pretty poor setup that that would be damaged that way.

 

[JustJason]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

The only thing.... well 2 things i'll add to this.
1. If your gonna stand on the drive, (especially when the boat is out of the water) stand on the "meat" of the drive, and not the antiventallation or accelleration plates themselves. There somewhat thin and you'd be in for a few stitches if it gave way while you were standing on it.
2. Cut to size and apply some grip tape down the back of the drive.... wet painted aluminum is awefully slippery. I learned that one the hard way trust me.

 

[mrainey889]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

The drive may be plenty strong enough to hold you up, but I would be careful of any hydraulic lines. One small slip could be a costly repair.

Of course, your drive may not have any exposed lines, but mine sure does...

 

[mcleaves]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

You could be 350 lbs, and jump up and down on it and you can't hurt it.
Might scratch the paint, but that's about it.
PS, I am a Volvo certified drive tech. Been to the schools, in case your buddy wants to know.

Are you limiting that to 350 Don? Just need to know for my application. My brother and I might want to do some synchronized diving off it.

M

 

[Uraijit]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

You were watching that tonight too, eh?

It's amazing what "gay crap" we can get away with watching when it's "The Olympics"

Sure was cool to watch though!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

Are you limiting that to 350 Don? Just need to know for my application. My brother and I might want to do some synchronized diving off it.

M

Well,

Think about it.....how much thrust does it exert on the trim cyls at during a WOT hole shot?

Probably a LOT more than 350 lbs....

Any of us climbing on the drive will not hurt it. The only thing hurt is you, if you slip.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

Great. Thanks for the info.

We used to use the drive as a ladder in the past, and we are getting ready for our next crop of skiers.

Often wondered if we were doing any harm, but the internet was just a gleam in Al Gores eye back then, so I didn't have anyone to ask.

 

[mthieme]

Re: using outdrive for a boost

Been climbing up outdrives for over four decades. Slime has been the only issue.
I did add a swim platform and ladder to the old Searay this spring though. For the wife and little ones of course.
Oh one last thing...everyone had a tendency to grab onto my stern light. Can;t tell you how many times I 've had to replace it.