Running engine with leg at trailer height question

[fester]

Hi Everyone!

Looking for some experienced advice on a rookie question.

Background: I have an alpha1 gen 2 1.8Gear outdrive connected to a 4.3 Mercruiser

My mechanic told me never to start or run the boat with the leg at trailer height. Yet in some articles online they say its safe to do so provided its under 1200RPM? on the engine and used for when you "beach" boats.

Does anyone know what the truth is here and any documentation to back it up (Google is atrocious)?

Many Thanks!

[mmwjr]

You can run the engine on the trailer if you use flush muffs connected to a garden hose. The muffs slip over the outdrive lower unit and need to cover the water pick holes. You should not run much above idle for long periods of time.

[fester]

Thanks mmwjr,

I think you may have misinterpreted.. I mean the leg/outdrive in trailer "position"... eg its upmost on the trim rams by the special button on the throttle labelled "trailer".

Normally I would have the outdrive down as far as it can go out on the water for normal use.. I bring it up to "up" position near shore and when its on the trailer, its brought to trailer height (to avoid clipping the slipway).

My question is, is it safe or normal to use the outdrive in its upmost "trailer" position out on the water at all.. even at low speeds?

Thanks :-)

[mmwjr]

Ok now I understand the question. No I would not run with the drive in the trailer position as the cross bearings, u-joints are not designed to operate at that much angle of articulation. Additionally being an Alpha it’s not uncommon to have gravity to cause the dog clutch to slide forward and either particularly or fully engage the forward gear.

[fester]

Now makes complete sense! Thank you as always mmwjr!