Storage question on outboard motor

[Potatoe]

maybe posted before but this is my first fishing rig, do you guys store the motor trimmed down or up on the transom saver.

I am not sure it matters but you always learn something when you ask

thanks

[Barnacle Bill]

Down, especially in the winter.

[Potatoe]

ok I figured on the transom saver to keep the load off the transom. But if down is the answer I will head out to storage tomorrow and trim it down.

[feeshrman]

Even though I live down south I always trim my motor down in the parking lot of the boat ramp. It drains all the water from the foot. Then I trim it back up and put the motor brace back on for the trip home. Leave it that way till next time launching


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[CrappiePappy]

The only real reason to have your motor trimmed all the way down .... is if it's stored outside, because the lower unit can collect water/snow and possibly freeze, which can cause the lower unit casing to expand/crack/burst.

When I keep mine outside, on the transom saver, I simply cover the prop/lower unit in plastic shopping bags ... held in place by a small bungie cord. When I choose to put it in a storage bin, that's no longer necessary. If I use it just prior to putting it in a storage bin, or take it out & use it and return it to the bin ... I simply lower the motor and drain out the water before putting it back on the transom saver and into the storage bin.

[Spaceman]

Like feeshrman, I lower at the ramp to drain then use the transom saver for transport. When home I remove the transom saver and lower again. I am fortunate to have garage space for storage, but i like CrappiePappy's solution for covering/protecting the lower unit.
P.S. While at the ramp and draining water from the motor , I have a spray bottle with 1/3 vinegar, 2/3 water I use to spray the hull and wipe down. Boat is clean when i get home and ready for the next trip.

[Potatoe]

Thanks guys, I lowered it and made sure it was drained. I went out today and lowered again and no water came out. I am storing inside storage so I think I should be ok using the transom saver, makes more sense to me to put the load on the trailer instead of transom.

[ozarks ranger]

Did you completely drain the gas tank area and or Belge area it can freeze and break pumps and hoses a guy at the lake ask when I winterized my boat and I said the first time I break ice with it, always drain it at ramp also keeps from spreading zebra mussels from one lake to the another.


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[ozarks ranger]

Take plug out of love well as well for the same reasons Good Fishing


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[TheGrandPoohBah]

I let the motor drain well near the ramp, up with the transom saver to get home, then down parked in the garage.
Easier to get to the batteries and check 2 stroke oil tank on the motor.