Hey, everyone. I hope that all are well. As I travel the hiways and biways of South Kakalacki, saving the world from broken computers, I’ve noticed a trend. Many folks tow their boats with engines down, gear cases in neutral and the props merrily spinning in the wind. It is most prevalent on jons and pontoons. This is not doing your prop shaft seals any good. In the summer tarmac temps can easily top 130 degrees. Needless to say, those seals are not designed to operate at that temp. You can save yourself some wallet pain if you remember to put / leave the engine in gear when you put your boat on the trailer. Also, as winter approaches, it’s a good time to replace your lower unit oil to insure that there is no water in the gear case during freezing weather. I’m hoping to enjoy some water time soon. Making a living hasn’t left much time for having a life the last couple of years. Y’all take care.
I only travel a few miles to the lake, but the motor is always up with a transom saver between the trailer & motor. I don’t like the idea of my motor bouncing up & down at every bump & pothole. I never thought about leaving it in gear though.
Hey Jim!! I’m glad to see you’re still alive & kickin’. When are you gonna come up and show me how to catch these dang stripers? I can’t think of the last time we talked.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I see a lot of guys with big motors on jack plates all the way up and motor trimmed all the down going down the road and I swear it looks like it is going to snap off the transom from the boat because of how bad it bounces.