'87 Force 85hp - should trailer bracket be removed when not trailering?

[ShoalSurvivor]

No power trim. I use the trailering bracket when trailering. I have been pivoting it out of the way when the boat is in the water. My problem is that when the trailering bracket is just rotated out of the way, the reverse clamp does not snap into place on the trim lock bar without coercion. Once it's locked, it cannot be removed using the reverse lock switch, I need to reach under and physically release the latch.

I pulled the trailering bracket off, and it works like a charm, locking and releasing from inside the boat.

So, I think I'm supposed to pull out the trim lock bar, and remove the trailering bracket while it's in use.

Please let me know if the trailering bracket is designed to just be tilted out of the way..

thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: '87 Force 85hp - should trailer bracket be removed when not trailering?



If you have the simple bent steel trailering bracket, it is sort of spring loaded and snaps into the trim holes on the transom clamps. You need a very large screwdriver or a good prybar to pry off one side to remove the clamp--a big P.I.A. when at the ramp. There is a better trailering bar to be found that slides in and is held with a spring pin. This is quick and easy to insert and remove. See if the photos are clear enough.

If you have a different style trailering bar held in place by the trim bar, then I have never seen one, but yes, it should be removed for cruising.

The one on the engine uses a piece of square tubing on the left hand side.

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

Re: '87 Force 85hp - should trailer bracket be removed when not trailering?

I do have the simple trailering bracket, and It's easy to remove. But, am I supposed to?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: '87 Force 85hp - should trailer bracket be removed when not trailering?

Ah! I did edit! But yes, you should remove it if it is causing problems. If it were not causing a problem then convenience would make me leave it in.

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

Re: '87 Force 85hp - should trailer bracket be removed when not trailering?

Well, reaching over the boat and under the mounting brackets when you need to suddenly lift the engine, and having to unwedge the reverse lock is not exactly convenient... so I'll remove it from now on.

Thanks!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: '87 Force 85hp - should trailer bracket be removed when not trailering?

Remove it while underway.
It's a trailering bracket.
When at home, the motors should be left in the down position.