Outboard tilt lock NOT engaged when sailing?

[hirondeller]

My catamaran is driven by a 2021 Suzuki 9.9hp outboard with electric tilt/trim. The manual says NOT to engage the manual tilt lock pin when trailering on the roadway (with the engine fully tilted up). Presumably the bouncing on a trailer hammers on the tilt lock pin and can damage it?

Given that instruction, when I am sailing I tilt the engine fully up to avoid propeller drag. The boat is bouncing on the waves (just like when trailering and tilted up).

Should the tilt lock also be disengaged when sailing? Isn't it hard on the hydraulic system when the engine is bouncing around?

Should I devise a 'crutch' or outboard leg support (some kind of rope around the leg) to prevent a bouncing motion when sailing?


Any thoughts?

[thinwater]

Yes, a crutch. Pretty common, some trailers come with. But it also depends on how far. If it is just home a few miles, no matter. If it is hours, very different.



Bouncing on a trailer is MUCH rougher than on the water.