Sterndrive Covers

[Drcoffee]

I was wondering what people do with the outdrive when the boat is in storage. Mine sits in my back yard on the grass. Dug a hole for the skeg when its down all the way. But now rain is splashing mud up on the drive. I removed the prop, greased the shaft and zip tied a bag to the shaft to keep it clean. then thought of covering the the whole drive. I used an old boat cover to cut out a small cover and wrapped the drive leaving the bottom open to breath. Now I wonder will rodents damage the bellows? Should I just leave it uncovered?

 

[crazy charlie]

Not a bad idea covering the drive however you should consider removing the drive every other year .Extremely important to grease the ujoints and drive shaft splines.You dont want to leave the drive installed until the drive shaft splines get rusted/stuck into the engine.You can store the drive out of the elements and most importantly SERVICE the drive by changing out the water pump and gear lube .Charlie

 

[Scott Danforth]

I used to block the trailer up when I stored the boat outside in winter so I could get the drive all the way down

then I started just removing the drive

use mothballs around the boat for mice prevention
use shaved irish spring soap (in disposable bowls) around the interior of the boat to prevent spiders

 

[poconojoe]

Make sure you dig the hole for the skeg deep enough so if your tires deflate for some weird reason, the skeg won't hit the ground.

Whatever you cover it with, I would use something breathable. You dont want to trap moisture under there.

You can remove the drive and take it inside if you are overly concerned. Then tape plastic over the transom keyhole.
A lot of folks remove their drive for winter on a regular basis.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I find it’s easier to take it off and bring it indoors then to try to cover it and keep it from hitting the ground.

 

[poconojoe]

I find it’s easier to take it off and bring it indoors then to try to cover it and keep it from hitting the ground.

Yeah, if the tires sink into the ground or lose air, the drive might hit the ground.

 

[Drcoffee]

All great advice. I just changed the lube and pump impeller. Never thought of removing the drive completely. I will save that one for next year. but blocking the trailer is something I can still do.

 

[Lou C]

I remove mine every season and store in the garage. Grease the gimble bearing and ujoints and check the bellows for cracks.

 

[Drcoffee]

Heres a temp fix to keep the skeg from hitting the ground. Cinder block and treated 2x4 Under the trailer frame. Cost $3. LOL