Motor Angle

[Boatdog06]

I have a Kenner V-haul, center console with 130 hp Johnson outboard. When I back the trailer into the water, normally to where the wheel wells are covered, I have a problem backing the boat off the trailer. So we have to bump the trailer with the vehicle to free it up. I think may have to do with the motor angle that is giving me the problem. The engine runs like a top, idles great, just when I put it in reverse, it don't want to back it off. Is there a standard angle for a better thrust the motor should be in to back it off the trailer? Appreciate your input.

Chuck Heiser
San Antonio, Texas

[AB]

Props are made to work really well in one direction - forward....they cavitate and don't work well in reverse...the best thing you can do is just back in a touch further and let the boat float off...less stress on the trailer, bottom of the boat, motor, etc...With my Stratos, when I'm alone, I leave the front strap hooked tight...back her in until I see the azz end start to float, carefully let the winch loose and let her slide down a bit, unhook the winch, fire up the motor, and gently ease out.

[Neilslure]

I have found reverse works better with the motor tilted down more. Take Grants advice for unloading from the trailer.

[Chad]

That Kenner V hull is a deep V boat, and you will have to back in farther simply because it doesn't draft shallow...nothing worng with the boat or motor, just design of the setup....

As far as where to put the motor, I ALWAYS leave my motor trimmed up to the top of the rams when I am loading/unloading....I have tore up too many props on the bottom of boat landings....