Easy question for winter storage
 

Question for you guys. For winter storage, is it better to leave the drives in a "neutral" position (which is where I have them) or all of the way down? Just wondering if it matters. :)

I know that you aren't supposed to leave the drives up so that the bellows boot isn't in a "bent" position all winter.

Craig

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

I've always heard, and do, leave it down as far as I can. I do make sure it's up high enough that it for some reason the trailer tires popped, it wouldn't be sitting on the drive. :D

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

make sure the drives are lower enough so water doesn't get trappped in the lower housing.ive always put anti freeze in the cavity.no problem

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

Manual that came with my boat said to put the drives (Speedmasters) down to extend the bellows and avoid their taking a set. For what it's worth...

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

I always put my drive to about neutral position. My trailer is high enough where I can move the boat with the drive in that position. That way I don't have to put my battery back in to raise the drive.

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

I always lower mine all the way. A friend of mine left his up, and it cracked the lower housing.

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

full up,down,left- right can squeeze the grease from the bearings(gimble/cross) and cause rust(set).Boats we store, the drives come off.

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

Move to FLorida :D:D

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

Doug has it right, now is the time to pull the drive. Change the lube, grease the u-joints & fittings to purge any trapped moisture. Don't you want to know now if you need any u-joint or gimbal bearing work (or worse)? Engine alignment should be check annually too.

Minus that, neutral sounds good but anything close to all the way down is OK.

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

That's the best idea :D :D :D

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

Thanks for the responses!!

The engines have motor plates...no alignment issues :cool:

Drives were pulled and everything greased and checked.

The boat stays indoors.. I think I'll keep them @ neutral :p :D :D

I do think that next year I will leave the drives off for the winter...or move to Florida!!! :drink: :drink: :evilb: :evilb:

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

If they are all the way down there is no pressure in the trim system-this is preferable. If you neutral them there is still some pressure in the trim rams pushing against the seals-all cold winter long :( :(

See ya soon!

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

Thanks Ted, That makes sense. :eureka: :eureka:

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

Craig, I usually place a few concrete blocks under the trailer, just to catch the trailer if by chance the tires went out, so the skeg(s) won't hit the ground. Cheap insurance.

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

just buy new ones every year.

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

My drive are high enough I don't have to worry , but it is a good idea for those with singles.

Re: Easy question for winter storage
 

Mine are high enough as well...but thanks anyway! :drink: