Motor position when on the highway

[frosteeone]

I just bought a used semi-V jon boat (is it John or Jon? I've seen it both ways???? --back to the question), with a 9.8 Mercury. When my dad I went to pick it up, he pulled it in the down (motoring across the lake) position. Is that the correct way? Thanks!

 

[hcrumbie]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

That's the way I've pulled my 14' john/jon boat with 7.5hp short shaft up 'till last year. (A thief relieved me of the outboard, so that issue is no longer ) Never a problem. I see many john/jon boats users around these parts doing likewise. I think it relieves the tendency of the OB to bounce when the trailer hits bumps, but it does put the motor at risk to object impacts.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

The motor should be down, in reverse gear. This will keep the motor from bouncing.<br /><br />If you need more ground clearance for driveways etc, then raise it up and support it with a transom saver.

 

[Jammu]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

In reverse gear, WHY ???

 

[JB]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

A Jon boat has a square bow. Your boat sounds like a semi-vee.<br /><br />I agree with Roscoe on towing with the engine in the down position as long as the skeg has plenty of ground clearance.<br /><br />The idea of towing with the engine in reverse is to keep the prop from windmilling and trying to start the engine.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[dkhntr]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

Make sure you have enough clearance. A long time ago I used to work at a gas station. You wouldn't believe just how many people are not thinking when they pull in and out. The bump at the enterance is a skeg killer.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

Also in reverse it can't bounce as much because of the reverse lock.

 

[skiffer]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

In my opinion, when being trailered in the down position the motor should NOT be in reverse gear. When in reverse gear it is locked and cannot tilt up. If the skeg hits something, like a speed bump, while being trailered in that condition you will damage the motor, possibly the boat.

 

[frosteeone]

Re: Motor position when on the highway

Thanks everyone! It seems to be fine in the down position.<br /><br />Now....How do you keep if from turning sideways? Should I bungie (spelling?) it?