Trailering - engine up or down?

[Mac_Attack]

Skools, I don't know about voiding the warranty but Dave handles more boats and motors than I could ever dream of so i will go with what he says. *Billy Mac *;D

Here is a photo of the V with the Force up in trailering position.

[reyb]

Isn't it the case that when an outboard is trimmed down to rest on a transom saver that it's just dead weight? If there is hydraulic pressure keeping the motor down, then I can see where a boat shifting forward(only) can be harmful. I don't think side-to-side movements would cause any damage because the transom saver length is fixed. However, if there is no hydraulic pressure keeping the motor trimmed down, then I don't see how a transom saver can do harm because the motor would pivot with any shifting/movement.

[Skools Out]

they are pulled down with pressure you can't pick up a motor when it's half way down can you? i know none of mine will. Mac that looks good there wish my new trailer on the V and the 21 would allow that wow.

[Airslot]

Mine is mostly down, at the juncture of trim / tilt.

[randlemanboater]

I see your point SO.

But your boat shouldnt be moving on the trailer if you have it strapped down well, should it?

I'm not arguing, just thinking.

[Pipe_Dream]

Well, thanks guys for sharing your thoughts on this. I think I'll stick with my old SOP which is to trim down to within 1-1/2' of the ground. I won't be going too far, or fast, anyway. Going to pull her out for a month or so, clean and paint the bottom and fix a few things. Getting the trailer ready now. ;)

[Hammerhead]

I tow with the motor up w/o any kind of extra support.

[macojoe]

I trailer up with the stop in place to keep the pressure from bouncing up and down on the piston.
It will save the pistion seals for years!

[Pipe_Dream]

Originally Posted by macojoe

I trailer up with the stop in place to keep the pressure from bouncing up and down on the piston.
It will save the pistion seals for years!

MJ, when you put the stop in place do you bump the trim/tilt down enough to just touch the stop? Or do you completely retract the pistons? I've heard people say something about retracting them, but frankly when my engine hits the stop and that trim/tilt motor sounds strained, I stop.

[Skools Out]

well they shouldn't no but they do cause the bottoms flex on the rollers and bunks which is where the issue is at.