Towing boat question?

[jgeatz]

I ussually tow my boat with the motor in gear so the prop doesn't spin when I go down the road, last weekend I hard a guy talking that you should put it in nuetral or it might hurt the shifter. Wondered what you guys think is the best solution.

[PerchJerker]

I was shooting the bull with a boat mechanic 2 weeks ago and this very subject came up. According to him, it makes no difference for your motor/gears/hub etc. if you trailer in neutral or in forward gear. However, if you're shifting gears when the motor is not running the clutch is not engaged and shift shaft could bend. That shouldn't be a problem if you're shifting between neutral and forward, but do not shift into reverse unless the motor is running or the prop is being spun.

Personally, I trailer with both my big motor and my kicker in neutral, and have for years. According to him there's no reason to change.

[Valv]

I think these are silly issues.

Propshaft sits in oil and is suspended by bearings. If temp outside is warm enough it will keep oil fluid enough to have prop spin, but it will not be an issue to me. Bearings are made to run in oil and there's no wear on them unless oil is missing, bad or contaminated.

Wether you keep it in gear or neutral has no effect on whole motor.

[jgeatz]

Thanks for the advise everyone, ya I kind of thought it was kind of trival myself but figured the only dumb question is the one that isn't ask. Thanks for the response guys.

[Valv]

I wasn't criticizing anybody, I just thought it was a little too peculiar to have an issue like this.

Funny thing is mamy people worry about silly things like this, but don't change water impeller unless motor overheats then blows up.

In my opinion is more important having a new water pump impeller every year than worrying how to keep motor when towing it.

That's my $ 0.02

[Fishinglund]

Hello all!

Hey Valv! Is it a difficult project to change an impeller on a 2002 mercury 60HP 4-stroke? What I mean is, could a novice do it or would it be wiser to take it to a marine repair shop?

I have never changed it so I'm sure it probably should be done. How much does it cost to replace an impeller?

Thanks,

Fishinglund

[Valv]

It is not difficult at all, but first time might be a little tricky.

Get a manual, even a Chilton is fine, and it will save you a lot of hassles.

I believe whole pump kit for your motor is approx $ 40.00, impeller itself approx $ 20.00.

You will need approx 3 hours first time, then considerably less.