Is outdrive down all the way?

[jstamatov]

I have an 87 Wellcraft 18 Classic with OMC 4.3L cobra outdrive.<br /><br />I launch at some shallow ramps, so I keep outdrive trimmed up as far as possible -- then when I'm underway and into deeper water, I lower outdrive to the down position.<br /><br />The problem --- when underway, I can't hear when the drive reaches it's lower position because of engine/background noise. I don't want to damage anything by holding trim button too long.<br /><br />Are there simple solutions, like a trim gauge or something like that. I'm looking for a simple, inexpensive solution. I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but it sounds like a lot of you forum guys are true-blue mechanics.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[amtsst]

Re: Is outdrive down all the way?

I have since fixed my trim gauge but while it was broken, I counted! (I know..sounds silly)<br /><br />1-Mississippi, 2-mississippi, etc. I knew how long it took to get all the way down and would give it an extra click just to make sure. <br /><br />I never run my boat with it trimmed all the way down b/c the bow wants to ride down kinda hard. I trim it back up a few degrees to get optimum speed without porposing. Just curious...why do you run all the way down?<br /><br />Just FYI, Your trim pump has a relief valve that opens if the unit has reached the end of the stroke....sort of like your car when you turn as sharply as possible. You won't hurt anything by running it a moment longer past the point where the relief valve opens.

 

[SS182]

Re: Is outdrive down all the way?

I would be more concerned with running you boat with the trip all the way up or in trailering position. This is very hard on the uv joints... from what I have read.<br /><br />Kyle

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Is outdrive down all the way?

jstamatov, I agree with Backwater on this one, holding the button too long is not going to damage anything. However, you should lower your outdrive out of trailering position before starting your engine. You can lower it about a third and then be okay. In trailer position (all the way up) it puts the univeral joints in a major bind and can cause damage (especially if too much rpm is applied). While you are in your boat with the outdrive all the way up, it is hard to hear the racket that the drive is making. But those that are away from your boat from a distance can hear them. I cringe everytime I see someone do that, especially when they start the engine up while on the ramp ready to launch. Always make sure that outdrive is in the water where the pump can suck up the water to lube that very important piece of rubber/impeller. This practice will keep you boating without premature failures. Good Luck......