will I kill my outdrive?

[joe average]

I know the limit switch on the trim prevents you from lifting the leg too high while operating to prevent damage to the Ujoint and/or Gimble. Is that the case at any operating RPM? In the late summer, if the water drops, I have to go through some very shallow spots to get to my dock? Will it damage my outdrive to raise it high (forward idle speed only) to keep it out of the mud? Yes it creates a nice fountain effect and has little steering authority. This seems to be the standard operating procedure for all of the boats that pass this channel. But just cause everybody else does it, doesn't mean it's right. thanks Joe

 

[joe average]

Re: will I kill my outdrive?

Sorry, above boat is Sea ray 185 with 4.3 mercruiser

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: will I kill my outdrive?

Its not good for it but you have to do what you have to do. Your boat is a little heavy to paddle.

 

[garycinn]

Re: will I kill my outdrive?

I was always curious -- Is that angle of trimmed up any worse than hard right or left?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: will I kill my outdrive?

As long as you are reving it low, it should be ok.

 

[lindb40530]

Re: will I kill my outdrive?

With my 84 OMC, it lets you know when your too high, cause you'll hear it.... if your going slow, real slow, you shouldn't have a problem if you don't get it too high...

 

[achris]

Re: will I kill my outdrive?

Joe,<br /><br />I also have a 4.3 Merc and one of the places I run ('bout 300 miles south of home) has a very shallow entrance and even with the leg full up I can still feel the bottom of the boat bouncing on the sandbank. At idle it shouldn't be a problem, but as you said, not a lot of steering control. Can be really fun with a following sea. <br /><br />Chris..............