Message 2 of 3
Posted by member Keith Lewcock on Thursday 12 May 2022

The prop needs to be just below the hull bottom when lowered and in use. The cavitation plate should be just level with or below the hull bottom. Best position for performance. In an emergency you want the auxilliary prop to be at its most effective and not lifting out the water if choppy. However as Hardys have deep transoms the tiller may be more vertical than horizontal so important to test you can still steer with it. The OB bracket should lift the OB prop and plate clear of the water and allow you to lift the OB into a more horizontal position. Because of the deep Hardy transoms it may not be possible to get the OB fully horizontal when lifted. You can try the shallow water position, which most OB have, but I use a piece of plastic pipe to chock the OB as high as possible and twist the engine to one side as it will not lift above the transom. Your main engine may create a wake and the auxilliary prop must not drag in this wake..
It would appear your OB bracket may be too low but you do not say whether you are lifting the engine into a more horizontal position.OB brackets do vary in size and lift but it is very important that the prop works effectively in an emergency. However you might have to compromise in the up position as it may not go into the ideal position horizontally above the transom. Hope this helps. Keith.

Add your comment | ^Top