Towing Question

[catsmeow]

When towing by boat is it better to leave the outboard in neutral and let the prop spin freely or put it in gear to restrict spinning ?

[Capt. Debbie]

Unless you're going over 100mph you don't have to worry about thrust wear. Thrust wear is because the wind is pushing the prop along the shaft pulling aft. LIke you back up.

Makes no difference neutral or in gear.

Curious. Why would you want to put it in gear?

[catsmeow]

Hey Capt Frank
I leave it in neutral, just was wondering it that was the preferred thing to do. Thanks for the post.... Walt

[Stumpy]

I usually have the motor in neutral just in case the prop hits anything. Less likely to damage the lower unit if you hit something harder than the prop.
Just my thoughts

[Capt. Debbie]

My 2008 25 hp Merc EFI manual says leave it in REVERSE.

Not sure of the logic of that. The wind in not ever going to be strong enough to turn it. Ever try to pull start? Pitcure a violent pull start except now your leverage is only the radius of a prop blade? And if THAT strong will probably bend the blade(s).



I usually have the motor in neutral just in case the prop hits anything. Less likely to damage the lower unit if you hit something harder than the prop.
Just my thoughts

[BCinerie]

For what is worth I always put my motor in forward when trailering!! I do not know why other then is is my habit!!

[Capt. Debbie]

LETS FACE IT. If that prop hits anything on the highway at 50-60 mph it AIN'T going to be spinning. Not then. Not for along time.




For what is worth I always put my motor in forward when trailering!! I do not know why other then is is my habit!!

[Flukemeister1]

I always put mine in forward. I know some say it does not matter but if you tow long distance heat can build up from the prop turning. When I first started towing, many moons ago, I never did that and when I had problems with my lower unit I was told by my mechanic that the wind milling prop contributed to the seal failure. I have been putting it in gear since and have not had a repeat of the problem.

[Capt. Debbie]

If it's in gear F or R it won't be turning short of a Katrina hurricane wind.

Not sure about heat with a 60 mph wind blowing on it to cool it. But I guess you never know.



I always put mine in forward. I know some say it does not matter but if you tow long distance heat can build up from the prop turning. When I first started towing, many moons ago, I never did that and when I had problems with my lower unit I was told by my mechanic that the wind milling prop contributed to the seal failure. I have been putting it in gear since and have not had a repeat of the problem.