Perfect timing

[Mark42]

Was out with the family and my nephew yesterday in the Bayliner with the old Force o/b.

We were buzzing along on our way to the beach, and I slowed to idle speed as we approached the beach. My son (19) and nephew (16) were in the rear facing lounge seats with their feet up on the splashwell joking about what would happen if the motor somehow came off and into the boat. "Carnage galore" was their conclusion. Right then I could see bottom, and shifted into reverse to come to a stop. I guess I forgot to flip the lever under the power head to lock the tilt. Gave it some gas in reverse and the motor rocked right back, the prop pops up from the water, throwing water around and the exhaust blasts out un-muffled into the air. Scared the crap out of them. They were screaming like little girls! They thought for sure the motor had broke loose and was coming in! LOL!

Forgetting to lock the tilt was unintentional, and even I was startled and surprised, which made it all the more funny.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Perfect timing

I hope they brought a change of underwear! LOL

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Perfect timing

I know this prolly doesn't apply to lake boaters, but, I boat a river. I NEVER lock the tilt lock. Too much stuff in the water. Locking the motor down could vey easily be a lower unit killer.

 

[Tig]

Re: Perfect timing

Nice to add a bit of excitement to a peaceful trip.
FWIW, since lakes have bottoms too, I have never locked my motor down.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Perfect timing

I know this prolly doesn't apply to lake boaters, but, I boat a river. I NEVER lock the tilt lock. Too much stuff in the water. Locking the motor down could vey easily be a lower unit killer.

I will not say all, but most ob does not lock when you are in forward gear, they are unlocked for the same reason you mention. Now when you hit the reverse gear the motor locks to keep the lower unit in the water.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Perfect timing

I will not say all, but most ob does not lock when you are in forward gear, they are unlocked for the same reason you mention. Now when you hit the reverse gear the motor locks to keep the lower unit in the water.

You are right, if you are taking about newer motors, but this is a 1985 Force w/o power tilt/trim. Yep a real basic 300 lb 85 hp motor. To lock, there is a little lever under the steering through tube that is most difficult to access, but that is where US Marine decided to put it. So there is no automatic lock going into reverse. Strictly manual fare on this motor!