Does your trim at the throttle work with the ignition off?

[AsLan7]

.
Bellows aging is certainly an issue. Storing with the outdrive lowered may be easier on the three rubber bellows but there are also other advantages too with leaving her down.
From the Boat US site regarding sterndrive storage....

"...when it comes to storing your sterndrive, it's important to prevent water from entering the exhaust hub of the propeller. Openings that are designed to let the exhaust out can also allow rainwater and snowmelt in. Water will accumulate in the unit's housing if the drive is stored in the "up" position. In cold weather, any accumulated water in the sterndrive can freeze and, under the right conditions, ice may expand and crack the housing. When putting your boat away for the season, store the sterndrive in the "down" position or use a sturdy, waterproof cover over the prop to prevent water accumulation in the housing."

We pull our boat out of storage in mid April and the north east freezing temps can still wreak havoc if conditions are right.

Since YMMV with stern-drive storage experience, here are some facts to help with knowledge and storage for those inquisitive minds on the site....

Sterndrive care and Feeding

.

[Hoghead]

.
Bellows aging is certainly an issue. Storing with the outdrive lowered may be easier on the three rubber bellows but there are also other advantages too with leaving her down.
From the Boat US site regarding sterndrive storage....

"...when it comes to storing your sterndrive, it's important to prevent water from entering the exhaust hub of the propeller. Openings that are designed to let the exhaust out can also allow rainwater and snowmelt in. Water will accumulate in the unit's housing if the drive is stored in the "up" position. In cold weather, any accumulated water in the sterndrive can freeze and, under the right conditions, ice may expand and crack the housing. When putting your boat away for the season, store the sterndrive in the "down" position or use a sturdy, waterproof cover over the prop to prevent water accumulation in the housing."

We pull our boat out of storage in mid April and the north east freezing temps can still wreak havoc if conditions are right.

Since YMMV with stern-drive storage experience, here are some facts to help with knowledge and storage for those inquisitive minds on the site....

Sterndrive care and Feeding

.

Good read,AsLan7

[akorcovelos]

The water intrusion is a concern, which is why I have my leg shrink wrapped with the boat. Am I wrong in leaving it up all the time? Probably, lol. Issue for me is I winterize in the driveway and move it to it's winter parking spot, so I have no way to put the drive down at that point. I've never had any issues short or long term, but if I had an easy way to put the drive down, I would.

Also, if you listen to the 'Experts' the lower unit should be removed for winter storage and reinstalled in spring. I guess this is a thing at marina's but I've never met anyone who does it. Technically it's part of annual maintenance to inspect bellows, u-joins, gimbal, and realign the drive.

[Bfun220]

but if I had an easy way to put the drive down, I would.

You could use a small light weight battery jump packs.

[akorcovelos]

but if I had an easy way to put the drive down, I would.

You could use a small light weight battery jump packs.

Tried it on my last boat with no luck, figured it needed both batteries hooked up even if only one is selected?

[Bfun220]

but if I had an easy way to put the drive down, I would.

You could use a small light weight battery jump packs.

Tried it on my last boat with no luck, figured it needed both batteries hooked up even if only one is selected?

When I didn't store my boat at home, I would leave one battery in just to lower drive. Not sure why you would have had a problem. I think big block use a jump pack when he stored his off site. Maybe he'll share some of his wisdom with us.

[Big Block Power]

Nope just need 1 battery connected and perko to that battery. I used my jump pack in place of the battery. Worked great.

[akorcovelos]

hmm, not sure what the problem was. I'll try it on the new boat when the time comes, but can we stop talking about winter storage already?!

[Big Block Power]

hmm, not sure what the problem was. I'll try it on the new boat when the time comes, but can we stop talking about winter storage already?!

Ok we will. Hey did you get much rain this spring

[akorcovelos]

hmm, not sure what the problem was. I'll try it on the new boat when the time comes, but can we stop talking about winter storage already?!

Ok we will. Hey did you get much rain this spring

Just all the stuff you're sending down the river to me from WI!

[Big Block Power]

hmm, not sure what the problem was. I'll try it on the new boat when the time comes, but can we stop talking about winter storage already?!

Ok we will. Hey did you get much rain this spring

Just all the stuff you're sending down the river to me from WI!

We rather send it to you then fibs coming up here. Lol

[akorcovelos]

Hey, I pay WI income tax, that count for something!

[Big Block Power]

Hey, I pay WI income tax, that count for something!

No. We have borders for a reason.

[akorcovelos]

Hey, I pay WI income tax, that count for something!

No. We have borders for a reason.

Well aware, I can smell the cheddar from my front yard...

[Big Block Power]

Hey, I pay WI income tax, that count for something!

No. We have borders for a reason.

Well aware, I can smell the cheddar from my front yard...

Too funny your a good guy!!!