Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

[Fordiesel69]

I have read this time and time again and understand why this should not be done. However I saw a guy at the ramp do this, and when I asked him, he claimed the drive will tilt up way faster being the electrical system is at close to 14v with the alternator. When off, he says the lift motor will draw down to 11v and it goes up slower. It was an alpha one in an 80's some boat which he owned since 89'. He said he never had any problems doing it this way. I did not ask any further questions and went on my way. After all I had such a hard time getting my boat on the trailer (strong winds + currents) I probably looked like an idiot in his opinion.

So who is the idiot, can someone actually get away with this all the time? Theoretically cant see how he did not at least tear up his coupler splines unless the motor mounts come up with it.

 

[QC]

Re: Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

The Merc manual says you can run them above trim limit up to 1200 RPM. Not necessarily good, but it's not going to hurt it for a second or two . . .

With that said, his reasoning is stupid and then there's the possibility of running the water pump dry depending on when he does it and how high the boat sits on the trailer.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

He had it down to a science, no sooner than the drive hit the upper stop he killed the engine. I bet he could see it on the volt meter. I know I can see mine when the engine is off really drop when it hits the upper stop.

I never knew mercruiser allowed this.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

Your ramp friend is a twit.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

With that said, his reasoning is stupid

Ayuh,... I've watched Morons start their I/O on the trailer, waiting to back down the launch too...

I just smiled as I motored out of the harbor, just Knowing my day was goin' to be Better than his...

They don't just Explode if you run at Full Up,... Although it Could,...
But, alittle Wear each time, Will catch up to you...

 

[Don S]

Re: Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

I don't understand why you believe one guy that is just plane lucky, and disregard what most others say, along with good common sense and what the manufacturer says and recommends.

I've seen a lot of people doing stupid things and get away with it, but I really have no desire to try it myself.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

The Merc manual says you can run them above trim limit up to 1200 RPM. Not necessarily good, but it's not going to hurt it for a second or two . . .

With that said, his reasoning is stupid and then there's the possibility of running the water pump dry depending on when he does it and how high the boat sits on the trailer.

Yes,


My Merc Owners manual indicates that trailering position is ok at 1200rpm or less too. (Actually is says SEVERE DAMAGE may result at RPMS above 1200 RPM etc...........)

One would think that you would be "ok" at trim levels (degrees from the "straight yoke"/U-joints) that are equal to or less than the maximum obtainable from side to side.....

My Bravo trims to about 45 degrees from horizontal (UP/OUT) and only about 35 degrees side to side though....One would think that if you can turn it 35 degrees you should be able to trim it out the same with no ill effects......


I have also noticed that, at least with the Bravo in my boat, when in the water, the water pick-up is NOT uncovered with the drive all the way up.

So it probably wouldn't run the raw pump dry.....


Having said all that, I still put the drive up after I shut it down.......

 

[Black as]

Re: Tilt up full while idling = ruins u-joints & coupler? I guess not...

Sounds like another hero at the boat ramp , what a tossa