Alpha 1 Gen II and skinny water?

[Limited-Time]

How far up is it safe to operate the out drive? I have never operated (under power) past the full out trim position. But I'd like to know what I can do in case of shallow water. Common sense says keep the water pick up submerged, and RPM at no more than an idle due to the angle of the u-joints. There must be a recommendation concerning this from merc. I suppose I could reference the service manual but what fun would that be??

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen II and skinny water?

Ayuh,........

Mercruiser reccommends operating it up to, but Not above the Trim Limit.........
That's Why there Is a Trim Limit..................

 

[tommays]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen II and skinny water?

The trim limit only gets you about 4-1/2 inches of extra draft


i stopped trying to use it in shallow water and just started walking the boat to cut down on prop damage


Tommays

 

[QC]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen II and skinny water?

Actually . . . This is directly from the Mercruiser Op manual. My old OMC Stringer had similar language although we all know that is baaaaad for the ball gears, I believe their limit was 1000 RPM. This is not a personal endrosement of this, but it is straight from the horse's mouth . . .​

Power Trim allows the operator to adjust the drive angle, while underway, to provide the ideal boat angle for
varying load and water conditions. Also, the Power Trim system Trailering feature allows the operator to raise
and lower the drive unit for trailering, beaching, launching and low speed (below 1200 rpm engine speed),
shallow water operation.​

CAUTION
Use extreme caution when operating with drive unit raised. Severe damage to the drive unit may result
if unit is raised beyond the gimbal ring support flanges at engine speeds above 1200 rpm.​

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen II and skinny water?

Thanks guys, not what I wanted to hear, but I appreciate the input. EDIT: QC to the rescue . Thats what I was looking for. Seems QC was posting as I typed.