Motor Position When Trailering

[Buccaneer]

Everyone;
I recently took possession of my new Parker 1801CC. The dealer told me to position the motor up (raised up, the motor stop in the lock position, then the motor gently lowered down to reduce vibration) when towing. The Yamaha manual, however, indicated that the motor should never be in the raised position when towing, as any large bumps may cause damage to the lock/stop and motor. I can see the reasoning in the manual, but why would the dealer suggest towing it raised? How does everyone else tow their boats? With the motor up or down?
Thanks!

 

[DaleH]

I can see the reasoning in the manual, but why would the dealer suggest towing it raised?

Through my 40+ years of boating I have seen soooooooooooooooo much questionable advice given out by dealers ... that I seriously question if they are truly businessmen or boaters? When in doubt, go with the OB manual ... as THEY made the motor. Your dealer is only making $$ !

That said, most I know trailer their OBs with the motors all the way down and either strapped down with a strap or heavy bungee or secured with one of those arms that goes to the trailer. Provided of course, that you have ample clearance under the OB skeg :shock: .

But many have switched to the M-YWedge OB trailering support gizmo, see pic below and then their website here.

 

[steve j]

PVC pipe over the rams will do, also....and every guy probably has some scrap left over from plumbing adventures. I've also used scrap 2X4, which I've lowered the motor onto.

 

[Ranger Tim]

Get the My-Wedge or make a reasonable substitute. Install on the ram farthest from the grease nipple that is nearby. It will loosen the zerk if it comes in contact with it. The reason I like the My-Wedge is that the rubber part cushions the motor bounce while the PVC collar keeps it from deforming. A first class solution to a simple problem. People that have followed behind me say the motor appears extremely stable with no movement.

I have always questioned whether support brackets from the trailer transmit any harmful vibrations to the lower unit. I don't worry about it anymore since the Wedge came along.

 

[JFP123]

I like the My-Wedge too. As did someone else, it was stolen. I have another on the way though. I cant trailer with the motor down, I can barely tilt it all the way down on level ground.

 

[MaxOut]

I can trailer with the motor down but may be questionable at times on extreme grade changes. I prefer to trailer motor up and will be getting (making) a wedge. I love to take a good idea and make it better. I will be installing the rubber piece in the steering rams to keep the motor straight during travel as well. Great stuff.....This is why I like this site :wink:

 

[Porkchunker]

My boat sits high enough on the trailer that I can tow with the motors down. I run them up for launch and recovery, but otherwise they stay down. When I recover, the motors stay up long enough to rinse the rams and underside of the mount with fresh water, then come back down. That keeps the rams pulled down and out of exposure to salt air when just sitting on the trailer.

Dave

aka