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Easy question for winter storage

Old 12-08-2004 | 08:44 AM
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Default 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
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Old 12-08-2004 | 08:49 AM
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Default 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.
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Old 12-08-2004 | 08:52 AM
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Default 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
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Old 12-08-2004 | 08:56 AM
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Default 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...
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Old 12-08-2004 | 12:40 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 12-08-2004 | 12:57 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 12-08-2004 | 12:58 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 12-08-2004 | 01:55 PM
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Default Re: Easy question for winter storage

Move to FLorida
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Old 12-08-2004 | 03:58 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 12-08-2004 | 06:12 PM
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Default Re: Easy question for winter storage

Originally Posted by Audiofn
Move to FLorida
That's the best idea
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