Engine up or engine down???

[recsupervisor]

I work for a utility company in California and oversee the operation of a recreation area. We have a concessionaire who operates the marina and snack bar. The lake is freshwater.<br /><br />Vic, the marina manager, has 50 boats w/Mercury 6hp and 15hp motors available for rental. <br /><br />I asked him to raise (out of the water) the motors when not in use to prevent lower unit problems. Some motors are in all year. <br /><br />He insists on leaving them down, stating that other boaters leaving the dock might hit them, which would cause damage to the lower units. <br /><br />Does anyone have a recommendation? <br /><br />Engine up or engine down???

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Engine up or engine down???

This is a really good question..and will attract a lot of opinions.<br />I would say that leaving them up, would prevent any water from slowly getting in L/U and reduce galvanic corrosion. But., if it is a business, the motors would be regularly serviced inc L/U seals and oil change, so the effect would be minimised. Leaving them down would make them less conspicuous to propellor theives, and mininise collosion damage. So there are advantages both ways.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Engine up or engine down???

Putting them in the up position also puts extra stress on the transom. Also having the gearcase sit in the sun all day long does not help the seals as it will pressurize the gearcase.<br /><br />Not to mention the safety hazzards for boaters trying to move past the boats. Some skegs are pretty sharp.<br /><br />TMD

 

[JB]

Re: Engine up or engine down???

TMD.<br /><br />To meet our requirement to avoid commercial activities you need to remove the link to your commercial site from your signature.<br /><br />Thanks for your cooperation.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Engine up or engine down???

Done <br /><br />TMD

 

[JB]

Re: Engine up or engine down???

Thanks, TMD.<br /><br />Your help here is greatly appreciated by the many people you have helped.<br /><br />Glad to have you on the board.

 

[alcan]

Re: Engine up or engine down???

Hi recsupervisor<br /> I vote for leaving the motors in the down position. The water will not wear out the seals. The only things you need to be concerned with are galvanic corrosion and marine growth. If these are rental units I assume you have some sort of P.M. schedule. Think of how many thounds of boats with outdrives are moored in salt water year round. I only haul out my boat once a year. With proper maintance this is all that is needed. Some places and some boats may need more often. I would think your biggest worry about lower unit seals would be damage from fishing line, the #1 killer of outboards in my opinion.