Trim Position When Storing I/O

MariahSX20

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
28
Another newbie question but, I read somewhere that when storing an sterndrive engine is important to store it in the trimmed DOWN position, is this true and correct? Can you please explain why?

Thank you again guys, I luv this site!

Andy
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

When down, the exhaust and ujoint bellows are in a relaxed position (less stress). In the winter, it keeps the housing from filling with water and cracking when the water freezes.
 

MariahSX20

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
28
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

Don thank you for your reply. I am in Florida and of course we do not have a problem with freezing and/or cold weather in the winter, but I guess my question was more as when I have the boat sitting on its trailer in the garage. Will it still make a difference if the drive is up or down at such time when the boat isn't used, perhaps for short periods of time (2-4 weeks) at a time during the summer?
 

Bondo Again

Seaman
Joined
Jun 7, 2008
Messages
53
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

Ayuh,.....

The Longer the bellows are Stressed,.... The Shorter time they'll Last....

The Choice is Your's...
 

MariahSX20

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
28
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

Ok guys I got the message. I will leave the drive down when storing the boat, it definitely makes sense to do it this way.

I do appreciate the info very much guys! Thanks, Andy
 

BAYLINER185

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 30, 2007
Messages
474
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

Marahia I have also started to store the boat with the drive down.

I did read it in my manual somewhere about storign it down and as Don explaines it is the bes way.

The bellows streach quite a bit when the drive is up and I only have my drive fully up when the boat is going in the water or commign out, then I store it fully down.

It keeps rain water out of the drive and allows the drive to fully drain when I take the bpat out of the water after each use.

I store my cruiser outside so thats the reason there. My new ski boat is in my garage and not only does having the drive down give me the room to put the boat in the garage I otn use the ski boat any more and I want to aleaviate any stress on te belows and trim system so I also keep that drive down.
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,762
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

My situation is a little different, during the summer my boat sits in the driveway with bow elevated high as possible for drainage, because when I come home from an outing and the carpet ect is soaked and usually some water in bilge plus any rains we get can all drain out better, I have to have the drive up. In the winter it's in my garage drive down.
 

chiefalen

Captain
Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,598
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

i too leave my drive all the way down.i have both boats on trailers.one is a outboard and i leave that one down also.the i/o i also have it with the bow all the way up in the driveway.i find i have just enough room so the skeg don't touch the pavement.only reason i can see to leave a outboard up if its left in the water all the time and especially in saltwater.here in nj you'll see all the outboards up at marinas.
 

JustJason

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 27, 2007
Messages
5,324
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

Mariahsx20 said:
I am in Florida and of course we do not have a problem with freezing and/or cold weather in the winter

i lived in orlando for a few years and it definitely got below freezing some nights!! especially points north and low lying areas like ocala.
 

dvan1901

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
503
Re: Trim Position When Storing I/O

Drive should be down. Assuming you have a Mercruiser, read the manual and it will tell you the same thing. It put the bellows in a "relaxed" position and reduces the chance it will rip when you raise and lower it later on.
 
Top