Im going to look like an idiot but here goes.

Nov 19, 2011
1,489
MacGregor 26S Hampton, VA
I have a 9.9 mercury long shaft 2 stroke 1997. I have figured out that with the engine off, to raise the motor (tilt) it out of the water, I simply put it in forward and pull the cowl and it comes right up. However to lower it back into the water, other than reaching around back in a bad position to lift motor, depress the mechanism, lowering it is a royal pain. Is there a release or a truck to lowering it? Google was no help but it may be my poor terminology.
 
Feb 20, 2011
8,060
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
Without a cantilevering bracket (parallelogram-type, which would put it even further back) to raise or lower the motor, I think you're kind of stuck with that long reacharound to the release mechanism.

Maybe someone's come up with an extension for the tilt release?
 
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
I would think a person could secure a cord to the lever and just pull up on motor and cord to release and lower her down. Might even do that on mine.
Chief
 
Nov 19, 2011
1,489
MacGregor 26S Hampton, VA
I would think a person could secure a cord to the lever and just pull up on motor and cord to release and lower her down. Might even do that on mine. Chief
I was out today and while I didn't examine this as an option, it may work. I would have to see how to route the line so it could work.
 
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
A line on the lever

A line on the lever might do the trick. But you will have to raise the motor slightly to get the load off the lock.
 
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Doc: What if we just kept it simple and put one of those plastic knobs like on the little bungees on the cord. It could just lie on the deck in front of the motor. Pick it up and pull with left hand on it, and use right hand to release motor, then lower the sucker! What do you think? Besides, we could mount it somewhere after we determine it is going to work well if we wanted to. I have a new Tohatsu 9.8 hp,electric start and 25" shaft but that lever is way down there! Chief
 
Nov 19, 2011
1,489
MacGregor 26S Hampton, VA
It seems to me, and I am not trying to talk down to the mfg, but to devise a means to raise the motor by putting it in drive is only half a good idea. I mean to say what goes up must come down. Surely that came up at some point.

I really should have looked closer at this before the boat went into the water for the year. It will be awkward at best to figure this out leaning over the back. I got to thinking that there is a shallow area at my marina. I could motor over there and hook a line to the boat and back it in to where I can stand.
 
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
It seems to me, and I am not trying to talk down to the mfg, but to devise a means to raise the motor by putting it in drive is only half a good idea. I mean to say what goes up must come down. Surely that came up at some point.

I really should have looked closer at this before the boat went into the water for the year. It will be awkward at best to figure this out leaning over the back. I got to thinking that there is a shallow area at my marina. I could motor over there and hook a line to the boat and back it in to where I can stand.
Hey Doc...why not get in the dinghy with a six pack of your favorite beverage and tie of to the transom and just sit there and study the thing and drink the beverage till you see the light bulb or..........until you see 2 outboard motors:D
 
Nov 19, 2011
1,489
MacGregor 26S Hampton, VA
Well. For starters, I don't have a dinghy. Next, I already see two because I lost my spectacles overboard last week. Probably as a result of the 6 of my favorite beverage.
 
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Tilting the motor is not my problem. It is getting over and down to the release lever, and I think that is what Doc is addressing also. Chief
 
Apr 11, 2005
57
Bayfield 36 Rock Creek
I think that ultimately you will need to purchase the type of mount that lifts the motor up when not using it so the prop is out of the water. It would also give easier access to that release lever for tilting when in the raised position. This is what I am talking about: 4-Stroke Outboard Motor Bracket, 85lb. Capacity
Model # 11887981 | Mfg # WM-BRACKET#1. You can find that at west marine.

Tod
 
Nov 19, 2011
1,489
MacGregor 26S Hampton, VA
I like the mount and it's got its pros and cons.

Pros:
Don't have to use tilt so much if at all Prop won't hit rudder unless rudder us released from full down.

Cons:
Adds to length of boat if paying by foot
Harder to get to motor if needed
Costs $ and I am a cheap son of a gun.

I really have no objection to tilting up, it's the down I don't like.
 
Apr 11, 2005
57
Bayfield 36 Rock Creek
Well, I guess you have your string and bailing wire.

When getting a transient slip or seasonal slip, you usually pay per foot of boat according to specs provided by manufacturers. If you are trying to squeeze a boat into a marginally sizes slip you will have other issues to deal with.

But one looks at all the options and makes ones choices don't we?

Tod
 
Oct 17, 2011
2,809
Ericson 29 Southport..
Hey Doc...why not get in the dinghy with a six pack of your favorite beverage and tie of to the transom and just sit there and study the thing and drink the beverage till you see the light bulb or..........until you see 2 outboard motors:D
Now that is a top idea suggestion. Even sitting inna inner-tube. I have done my best engineering standing in the shower when I do that once a week. A good visual memory helps..
 

Adana

.
Feb 8, 2009
22
Hunter 23.5 Pensacola
I have a Honda 8hp and had exactly the same problem you guys are addressing on my Hunter 23.5. Lifting it was particularly difficult since I'm 5'5" woman and reaching over the OB to release that lever was no fun at all, especially when it got stuck on the next spot and I had to try again. Last summer I tied a piece of 1/4" line to the release bracket and it has worked a charm! I'll be moving my boat today for work and pulling it to paint the bottom on Tuesday.... I'll take a picture today or when she's on the hard in a couple of days if it doesn't turn out well.
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,554
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
I have a Similar Engine of the Same Vintage

There is no release lever on these. I think your linkage is out of adjustment and you are having to release the catch which should be done mechanically though the shift rod.

You should be able to tilt the motor and it stay up in Neutral. It will tilt but not stay up when in FWD. It should not tilt up in REV.

Additionally to put the motor back down all you have to do is tilt it all the way up it will unlock the catch and it will go back down.

It is a simple job to adjust the stop on the linkage rod after you have done it once or twice and figured it out. The stop may be missing altogether. It is hard to see from the boat side but the parts breakdown illustration shows it really well.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,047
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
I really should have looked closer at this before the boat went into the water for the year. It will be awkward at best to figure this out leaning over the back. I got to thinking that there is a shallow area at my marina. I could motor over there and hook a line to the boat and back it in to where I can stand.
Find a side tie dock somewhere, and back your boat in, use stern lines, cross them if you must, and use spring lines from the bow to keep the boat from shifting too much if in current or wind. Sit on the edge of the dock. Get restrainers for your glasses (and your boat hat!:)). Beer optional. :dance: Do this after you've studied what Rick suggested or print it out and bring it with you.