Steering linkage

[Shane anthony]

Should you remove the steering linkage bar when towing and let the engine lean to the side? I’m only asking because when I bought my boat I noticed the seller had unhooked it before I took the boat. The engine cover was scratched and scuffed up pretty bad on the one side even though he had foam padding in place. Thanks

[Tsunami]

I can't think of any reason to bother doing that.
I bring the leg up ,then lower it on to the mechanical stop so that the hydraulic ram isn't holding the motor up as you tow.
A better use of your time would be to attach a red flag to the prop rather than disconnecting the steering.

[closehaul]

Shane, I center the motor up and tie a bungy on steering wheel to keep it there during transport. Otherwise, it is free to flop to one side and do damage (not only the engine cover, but also the gelcoat where rudder bar hits at extreme travel (on 26X)). Closehaul

[Shane anthony]

Shane, I center the motor up and tie a bungy on steering wheel to keep it there during transport. Otherwise, it is free to flop to one side and do damage (not only the engine cover, but also the gelcoat where rudder bar hits at extreme travel (on 26X)). Closehaul

That makes perfect sense thanks!

[dustoff]

I do the same thing as Closehaul. Bungee the steering wheel during towing. I actually do this a lot; at anchor, docked, etc. keeps the rudders away from pilings and tangling on things.