DP Drives - Strike Protection?

[Kosmofreeze]

In my 4 seasons of being a DP-SM owner, I finally hit a rock (log?). Hit it maybe going <10 mph. I run an aluminum prop because I believe what I read about aluminum being somewhat "sacrificial" compared to the stainless steel counterpart. The strike wasn't "bone jarring", but I was surprised at how mangled the prop was when I brought it up. It turns out that the prop was well within repair limits and less than $300 bucks later, my props (yes, both of them got hit) look better than new. This got me wondering - does the DP-SM (really any I/O) have any mechanical or hydraulic "safety release" that allows the drive to pop-up in the event of a strike? It seems like O/Bs have this capability.

 

[Horigan]

Yes, the trim system has pressure relief valves that provide some protection.

 

[bajaman123]

Yes, the outdrive will kick up but generally only when the skeg is hit and whilst in forward motion. Be aware there are a number of conditions that will prevent this from happening...lots of information on the Web.

 

[racerone]

Best protection is a GPS plotter.----So cheap these days compared to lower unit damage and downtime.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Did a rock strike with a DP290a. Back in 2012. Lost 2 blades (one off each prop) folded 3 more over. And the drive kicked up. Came in with a bad vibration at just below planing speed

It did bend the reverse latch . 2 new props a d some minor repairs and all was good