Re: OMC Boats for Newbies [omc-boats] New Member

Lee,

When I had my Rogue I trailered short distances (my house to Waukegan Harbor
2 miles) with the unit up. Long distances I just took the unit off only four
screws (bolts) attach it to the intermediate (bell) housing and set it in
the boat. I also took the unit off for winter storage so the boat fit in my
garage. The lower unit is heavy so this is not something I would recommend
doing by one's self.

I also read the post by Joe McGill where he says he would prefer to stick
with an outboard. A "shade tree mechanic" might actually prefer a stern
drive unit as they are automobile engines modified for marine use. Of course
there are less parts in a two stroke engine and there is lots of information
available. Myself I don't like mixing oil in the gas, the smell of the
exhaust or the amount of smoke given off.

Glenn

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gregory B. Fell" <gfell@...>
To: <omc-boats@...>
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 10:56 AM
Subject: RE: OMC Boats for Newbies [omc-boats] New Member

> I can't say I wouldn't be more comfortable trailering with the unit up. I
> have had an occasion or two when I've had to navigate a steep grade into a
> parking lot and have gotten out of my vehicle to raise the unit. I also
> raise it before backing down the ramp. I'll double check my owners
manual.
> I may even scan the page and post it, if anyone is interested. Also, as
the
> description by my pictures states, I modified the trailer by adding bunks.
> This lifted the boat about a 1/4 inch above the factory rollers. Not
much,
> but I supposed every little bit helps. Compared with modern trailers, the
> boat really sits up high. With the bunks, I have to back the trailer in
> pretty far before the boat floats.
>
> As for your questions, my 1969 has cable steering. I've never had to
reset
> the cables. Yes, it has a rudder position indicator behind the wheel. I
> recall having to adjust the indicator a couple of years ago. It was off a
> few degrees port side my whole life. My dad never bothered with it. I
> recall it being an easy fix; but, I can't remember how I did it without
> looking at it again.
>
> Gregory B. Fell
> The Fell Law Firm
> 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700
> Dallas, Texas 75219
> 972-488-8177
> 214-219-4218 - fax
> gfell@...
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-omc-boats@... [mailto:owner-omc-boats@...]On
> Behalf Of lib1@...
> Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 10:36 AM
> To: omc-boats@...
> Subject: Re: OMC Boats for Newbies [omc-boats] New Member
>
> Hi Greg,
>
> Interesting point for discussion. I checked in my 1967 Sportsman Owners
> Manual and found no recommendation for up or down (other than always
running
> the engine in the fully down position). It may be that with the 4-inch
> increase in depth starting with the 1968 Sportsman's that the ground
> clearance increased by a similar amount between the lower unit skeg and
the
> ground when sitting on the trailer.
>
> I don't have the factory trailer, so my clearance my be different
especially
> on the shallower '66 Sportsman, but I've always worried about ground
> clearance issues, especially when entering driveways or backing down
launch
> ramps. When launching, I don't lower the drive unit until the boat is at
> least 1/3 off the trailer. See atch photo.
>
> I asked my OMC mechanic (30-years experience) and he recommended tilting
it
> up (while trailering). He also said the original stringer quadrant gear,
> tilt mechanics and stringer mounting system are robust enough to not
require
> an extra transom support rod, as recommended on outboards or other I/O
> types, I have thought about using a strap or rope as a safety precaution,
> but never have. I'm curious, what others on this list do or recommend?
>
> So, I lower mine while running and when storing it in my 20-ft garage. For
> towing I'll raise it for ground-clearance peace-of-mind, despite the fact
> that it is more exposed to an idiot driver running into it in the raised
> position. One side note: My engine hatch cover hits the top of the raised
> lower unit, which is a minor pain.
>
> Questions for you:
>
> Does you 69 Sportsman have aircraft cable steering or mechanical (rack &
> gear) steering?
> Have you ever had to reset your cables after trying to steer the unit in
the
> up position?
> Does you boat have the rudder direction indicator behind the steering
wheel?
>
> Lee Shuster
> Salty Lake City
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Gregory B. Fell" <gfell@...>
> To: <omc-boats@...>
> Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 10:21 AM
> Subject: RE: OMC Boats for Newbies [omc-boats] New Member
>
>
> > Hey Lee - I was reviewing web site. Great job BTW. On the "stringers"
> page
> > you state that the boat should be trailered with the unit up. My owners
> > manual (1969 Sportsman 155) says to trailer with the unit fully down.
> >
> > Gregory B. Fell
> > The Fell Law Firm
> > 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700
> > Dallas, Texas 75219
> > 972-488-8177
> > 214-219-4218 - fax
> > gfell@...
> >
>
Received on Friday, 23 July 2004