auto tilt question

[medic2051]

2000 johnson 50 hp, has auto tilt. I'm used to an older engine youy manually lift. My concern is the fact that I boat in one of the rockiest areas on the east coast, and while I know all the reef, there is always the possibility of hitting a rock at low tide. With the manual lift (assuming the motor was not locked down) the engine would rotate out of the water. What happens when you have an auto lift system and you hit a rock?
Also, what type of maintenance is required for a hydraulic lift system??
thanks !!

 

[ob]

Re: auto tilt question

It hits harder before kicking up no doubt.However the advantage to power T/T is that when motoring slowly through suspected rock laden waters,the operator at the push of a switch can trim the engine high enough to avoid a direct hit while keeping it low enough to keep the prop biting and the water intake under water.I troll up to shallow banks all the time in my 15 ft rig and 70 hp engine like this frequently and have gotten good enough at it to prevent the lower unit from contacting bottom before the keel is scuffing.The only maintenance is periodic greasing of any of the units pivot points that have zirk fittings and a visual inspection to assure that there are no fluid leaks.I've had both and wouldn't trade T/T feature for manual.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: auto tilt question

In the power trim/tilt assembly, the trim ram doubles as a shock absorber. It has a valve that opens at a certain pressure threshold, to allow the motor to swivel up if the leg impacts something.