ever drag an outdrive?

jodi805 · 05-21-2008, 11:38 AM

when we got back from our trip sunday from capa/cruz we were docked and trying to get out for others to use the ramp but the outdrive wasnt cooperatingl the worm drive was making noise but it just wasnt linking up and raising outdrive, so after about 20 mins. of checking for quick fixes my buddy Dan says we'll just drag it out and it will break free out of the lock position-now mind you Dan takes really good care of his stuff -big time so i coulndt believe what he was saying- not that i had other ideas to get it up,see im under the impression that if you drag a boat out on its outdrive it can do major damage? even cause leaks thru transome hole-and for sure the props not going to like the idea,i just pictured it not breaking free and lifting the ass end of the boat in the air-then wadda you do go foward and keep on lifting the ass end up? you cant go backwards or you for sure destroy the out drive becouse it dont bend that way! well we went foward and the ass end lifted up and i said STOP!!!didnt lift much but it was the ugliest thing ive seen in awhile it did realease but it was still under the boats weight so i lifted a tiny bit and Dan pulled it out and we split. the prop can be repaired but who knows if theres any other damage? Dan didnt seem to think its gonna be a prob-i hope hes right ,its been a great boat for us-kepping fingers crossed .

phishy · 05-21-2008, 12:15 PM

well maybe not the best way to do..but i honestly dont know what i would have done.
Far as damage, you probably chipped or scratched the skeg. Not a big deal..could always get a skeg gaurd. Outdrives are designed to give under sudden and extreme pressures like that. Just keep an eye on it..maybe next trip drain the gear lube and have a look at it for water.

**Sinker** · 05-21-2008, 01:07 PM

Figure the skeg would take the brunt of that not the prop.

As for the skeg they can be replaced (unfortunately I am all to familiar with this) but the cost is reasonable. If the skeg is bent or broken ensure it is fixed and or replaced.

My other concerns would be drive and hydraulics, being an out drive I suppose water tightness as well but those too should be easily checked out.

Give it a good check out and see if you can find the original problem as well.

Michael J · 05-21-2008, 02:33 PM

I'm w/phisy on this one .driain the oil and check for that milky stuff.Let me guess,is it an OMC.AKA.Oh -My -Checkbook. I should know I've had to rebuild mine twice on my old Skippy.
Good luck,hope everything turns out well for you.

Michael J.

**Carnivore** · 05-21-2008, 06:43 PM

Be glad it wasn't the new Penta composite out drive. I know a guy that has one on his new Striper and drug it up the ramp. 5500 bucks later.......Ya brand NEW 85k boat and well you get the picture. For about 55 bucks you can get a add on skeg I needed an new one for the old boat that luckily I never did buy.

OMC Oh....my....checkbook that is classic.