Outboard up or down when not in use?

[isaksp00]

I lift my Honda 8HP motor out of the water when done, at least, unless I will be using it in the next few hours. I have a sailboat with a motor mount that swings up and down. I'm in a fresh water lake. It occurred to me that it may be better for the water pump impeller to be wet all the time - is there any advantage to leaving the leg in the water all the time?

 

[Sea Rider]

Assume water pump needs to be working for water to wet impeller, anyway as soon engine is started, water will pass through impellerr housing in just some seconds.

Happy Boating

 

[foodfisher]

Leaving it down exposes the lower unit to plant and animal growth along with good conditions for corrosion

 

[SolingSailor]

+1 to lift it out of the water -- marine growth, corrosion, and also possible slow water leaks into the gearcase, which may not be a problem otherwise.

 

[McMark]

How about when the boat/trailer is sitting in the driveway? Motor up or down? What is better for the transom for storage when the motor is not removed? Up or down?

 

[Grub54891]

I put them down when in drydock,just looks better to me....

 

[crb478]

Up in the summer, down in the winter if there is any chance of freezing in the water. Out of the water put it down and it is self draining.