Outboard leg partly in the water even when raised.

[LadyJ]

I have had my new boat now for 12 months and about to bring out for the 200 hour service. When I got the boat the dealer advised that due to the steering mechanism the leg cannot come fully out of the water (it is about 5 inches still in when fully raised and I have looked around and it seems a common issue). Over the winter with less use this has now got some growth on it and I want to see what is best for the year to come. Questions:
1. After cleaning what should I put on the section of the leg in the water to limit growth?
2. Is there a long term damage issue here?
3. Have any MF 755 owners got the same issue?
Many thanks for any replies/help.

 

[Canopy Locked]

What sort of engine is it? Personally I'd say your dealer is taking the micky!

I have a MF 755 Marlin - so if you have the legend, I imagine the transom is pretty similar - my out board is fully out of the water and IMO, yours should be to!!

The dealer from whom I bought the boat initially rigged my engine so it was as low as possible. I believe that this is a common issue with lazy dealers who cannot be bothered to test and alter and test again.

When I got it home, the first thing I did was to raise the engine to its top hole.. It runs fine and I think that it's entirely possible that your engine is simply too low..

When running on the plane have you looked over the back? (obviously with someone else steering!). Where is your AV plate running?? Ideally it should be just out of the water and not buried.

I attach some pics of mine

 

[LadyJ]

What sort of engine is it? Personally I'd say your dealer is taking the micky!

I have a MF 755 Marlin - so if you have the legend, I imagine the transom is pretty similar - my out board is fully out of the water and IMO, yours should be to!!

The dealer from whom I bought the boat initially rigged my engine so it was as low as possible. I believe that this is a common issue with lazy dealers who cannot be bothered to test and alter and test again.

When I got it home, the first thing I did was to raise the engine to its top hole.. It runs fine and I think that it's entirely possible that your engine is simply too low..

When running on the plane have you looked over the back? (obviously with someone else steering!). Where is your AV plate running?? Ideally it should be just out of the water and not buried.

I attach some pics of mineView attachment 57091 View attachment 57090

Thanks for the feedback. Mine is the Suzuki 175, the dealer said it was the steering rods that cause the issue and they do put a good few of these in the water each year. I'll check the plate when on the plane and also raise the issue again at the service.

 

[Canopy Locked]

Thanks for the feedback. Mine is the Suzuki 175, the dealer said it was the steering rods that cause the issue and they do put a good few of these in the water each year. I'll check the plate when on the plane and also raise the issue again at the service.

I see that the Suzuki seems to be the dealers choice of engine for these boats.. (guess they must have a good deal going) I can see no reason why the engine should be in the water when berthed, based on the dealers explanation.

 

[sprocker]

I can see no reason why the engine should be in the water when berthed, based on the dealers explanation.

I totally agree.

Not exactly the same as your setup, we have a MF645 with Suzuki DF115, and the engine is well clear at full tilt. Our neigbouring boat is a MF755 with Suzuki DF150 and their engine is clear also.

Could it be that your engine is not fully tilting?

 

[Stats007]

Assuming the shaft length is correct and the engine mounted correctly it's not uncommon to have the bottom of the outboard in the water when trimmed up. Often you can steer fully to one side to bring it out of the water or just antifoul the lower part of the skeg. It's not a huge problem to be honest but if an identical boat with the same engine isn't doing it then I'd question the installation or weigh distribution.

 

[Canopy Locked]

It's not a huge problem .

It is if you get electrolysis ...

 

[Stats007]

It's no different from having a stern drive leg in the water all of the time.

 

[Canopy Locked]

It's no different from having a stern drive leg in the water all of the time.

It is..... a stern drive has a dirty great ANODE attached to it

 

[Stats007]

So do outboards...

They also have anodes all throughout the powerhead being raw water cooled.

Given the skeg is painted it's not even an issue unless you've dragged it through the sand and worn it all off.