UP orDown

Anita Marie · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 5:55 pm Post subject:

I tow with both motors down. Up for launching Wink

CAVU · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 8:04 pm Post subject:

I have always towed boats with the motor up and locked in position. I am sure there was a long discussion of this last year but I couldn't find it with the search feature. I really think it is a solution in search of a problem. If your trailer allows adequate clearance with the motors down, you sure could not go wrong towing in that position. However the great majority of trailers would not give adequate ground clearance. In over 25 years of owning and towing boats I have almost never seen anybody towing with their motor down. As far as I know there hasn't been a lot of failed transoms. I have known some who feel the "transom-saver" type devices that attach the lower unit to the trailer actually put more stress on the transom. IMO whether the motor balances or not it still does not put any sigificant stress on the transom. The transom must be strong enough to take the force applied at full WOT. Just my $.02.

Casey · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 8:51 pm Post subject: Engines down...

We travel with the engine "down" for the most part. Like Bill and El, I insert a piece of wood in there for the engine to ride against.

When you imagine the forces that work on the boat and motor in the normal cruising configuration, it seems to me that in most "normal" trailering use the engine mount isn't going to be overly stressed. Think of it - you power-up on plane, then cruise along, often hitting waves and wakes, often for hours and hours. Meanwhile, the engine(s) is/are back their absorbing hundreds (thousands?) of pounds of force/torque generated from the boat and sea conditions as they push several thousand pounds through the water. Somehow I don't think that the engine mount is the weakest part.

Now, think of those nifty little "legs" that you rotate into position for the engine to rest upon. Doubtful, but I suspect they could either snap or be bounced out-of-position enough to permit your engine to drop so the tilt mechanism was the only structure holding the engine (again, the tilt mechanism is Very strong).

...on the other hand, I've trailered several thousand miles with a Honda 90 riding on those "little legs" and never had a problem. But, for me, I think we'll keep the wooden gizmo in position for trailering.

Casey
C-Dory Naknek

El and Bill · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 9:28 pm Post subject:

Topkick - Bill and Elfie -
Just took some photos of the wooden dowel with engines in the down position. Just go to Photo Albums, Our Boats, Page 7, Halcyon, page 2 and see the last two pictures.

Hope that helps -- it is an easy solution to what is probably a non-problem, but our dealer suggested this rig and they have traveled four years and tens of thousands of miles that way, so I ain't about to quibble with success.

flagold · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 10:14 am Post subject:

8500 happy miles (and counting) -- down.

Guest · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 11:29 am Post subject: Up and Down

El & Bill,

Now I get it, helps keep the props up out of danger. Have you ever had rock damage? I have always had the motors in the up position, but after reading the Honda book, I'm going the the down position.

THANK YOU
BILL & ELFIE
TOPKICK

Posted by TOPKICK

tightline · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:42 pm Post subject: UP or Down

Thank you so much EL and Bill for responding. I was hoping you would. I know that you put many many miles on each year, more than I would in five. You can not argue with success. Thank you all for your in put. All I can do is to put all the information in the pot give it a good stir and pull out what I think would be the best for me.

en_pissant · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 2:05 pm Post subject:

I've always kept my C-Dory motor up. I trailered my skiff with a 40 Tohatsu down, in accordance with the manual. The skeg below the cavitatation plate is now bent, so I trailer it up instead. I probably hit it on the cement backing out of my driveway. Kind of sucked since the motor is brand new.

My CD 70 Tohatsu has been trailer up since '96, and the motor hydraulics work fine. I can't imagine that replacing those pistons could be more than a new lower unit. The transom on my '87 Angler is fine.

Guess this is a Ford/Chevy type argument, but my vote is up.

Otter-BelleHavenMarina · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 4:54 pm Post subject:

Darn it -- just when you think you've got it figured out....
I recently made a light bar using a piece of PVC pipe that I mount with suction cups and straps on the back of the boat when I trailer any distance. I thought this was a slick solution to the aggravation of constantly replacing trailer lights that are not as submersible as advertised. Problem is, I designed it to fit on the stern with the engine fully raised!

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 4:57 pm Post subject:

Tom, I remember your neat light bar! Why not put a metal sleeve on the middle and use the Honda to clamp it to the stern Idea

? Maybe too simplistic...

Charlie of the bionic knee...

AK-Brando · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 1:07 am Post subject:

While I don't (yet) have a C-dory, I do trailer my current boat with the engine resting on a 2x4 very similar to they way El and Bill trailer theirs. I got this technique from my Grandfather who used it on all his outboards.

BTW, my boat is a 16ft, 1965 Wards Sea King with a 1985 40hp Mercury, it's second engine.

Jeff M · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 64

I prefer to trailer with the motors down if there is adequate clearance. The transom of the C-Dory is so strong that leaving the motors in the up position, is an acceptable alternative.

Jeff

Guest · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 3:43 am Post subject: Up or Down

This may be one of those, I SHOULD NOT OF ASKED.
But with the motors down, would the wind turn the props while driving and if so is this OK?
I see SUV's with little props in the trailer receiver and they turn.

THANKS
Bill and Elfie
TOPKICK

Posted by TOPKICK

Mr. Fisherman · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:07 am Post subject: Re: UP orDown

Otter-BelleHavenMarina · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 9:19 am Post subject:

Charlie,
That is a great idea. Thanks - will see if I can find something the right diameter and strength to slip over the PVC and glue in place.

I love this site. If we were stuck on a desert island with C-Brat folks, I suspect we'd have hot and cold running water, wind generated electricity, and a coconut liquor still within a matter of weeks!

Cheers,