winter storage - outdrive

[JBF 1962]

after winterizing my boat, I have one last nagging question. The outdrive. My boat will be living outside for the winter in the yard at the yacht club. There seems to be two camps of thought whereby some people wrap up the lower units for protection from the elements and others say it's better to leave them open to the air. Which way is REALLY the correct one?

 

[ziggy]

Re: winter storage - outdrive

Which way is REALLY the correct one?

full in/down position is correct. i don't know if a cover is needed or not. myself. i take my drive off the boat and store it inside over the winter. i've heard more than one story of someone having their drive stole over the winter when left in storage lots... i store my boat at home. but drives are so easy to remove i feel much better with it in my possession, inside. i'll do my drive pm over the winter too....

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: winter storage - outdrive

That's probably not a bad idea. Good time to replace the impeller. I've only had this boat for a few months, but the alpha looks pretty much the same as my old merc (1978 165hp L6) But yeah, it's in the full in position, greased and lube changed