running on muffs OMC Cobra 5.7

[ab59]

Will have the outdrive back in in a couple of hours and tomorrow I would like to start and run this engine and outdrive . I have never ran a sterndrive in or out of the water and don't want to tear something up before I get to use it. Can I put this in gear and run this while running on muffs ? I have no idea if the outdrive even works so would like to err on the side of caution if you know what I mean. The boat ramp is less than a 1/2 mile from the house but don't want to take it down there until I have the bugs worked out . More than just a couple of boaters around here that do not want to wait on some one testing or working on their boat at the ramp. Can't really blame them so I would like to keep that at a minimum. I am also installing a new impeller as well before running.
Anyway , run in gear while on muffs ? Do I need to keep rpms down if i can run in gear ? Any other warnings or thoughts on the subject you think I should know ?

thanks, a.b.

 

[Scott Danforth]

You can.... however keep the RPM's low (below 1200 RPM) or you will run out of cooling water. it will clatter and bang going into gear. dont be gentle, swiftly shift into gear. swiftly shift out of gear. then let the prop come to a stop prior to changing directions.

 

[tpenfield]

Just remember that running the outdrive in gear while 'on the muffs' and the propeller on can be hazardous to children, house pets, and bystanders. So, be careful make sure there are no chances of a person or animal getting near the boat . . . and as Scott indicated idle speeds only.

 

[ab59]

thanks guys I'll keep it low and slow. No kids around here any more and the Black Cat stray we adopted after I watched him kill and eat a few gophers around here won't get within 50 feet of anything that makes noise or shoots water so I am good to go on those counts.
thanks --a.b.