Is there a way to manually raise the drive on a ski boat?

Question

the boat is a 1978 Galaxie with a GM305 and OMC 800 out drive. The drive would not come up at the dock, so there it rests parked at the marina till tomorrow. I was wondering if there was an easy way to just raise the drive so I can pull the boat home and then do some tests.

Answer 1

The out drive will be super heavy and if the hydraulics aren't working, it most likely won't stay up for the drive home. I'd suggest taking it to a marina and have them diagnose it and see if it isn't a quick fix like a blown fuse or loose wire.

Answer 2

You can remove the 3 bolts that hold the drive up on the out drive.They have a 9/16 head.It is the piece that has the teeth on it.Once you remove this you will be able to manually

lift the drive and tie it up with a rope.Good luck.

Answer 3

By now you've figured out that there is an electric motor that drives a worm gear which raises the drive.  It takes a little effort but you can lift the drive by hand once it's out of the water.  Depending on your ramp, and trailer, you should be able to get the boat out of the water, just be careful.  There isn't any release catch etc.  Just friction clutches.  Once up, it will "bounce down", so secure a block under it to keep it up.    

     Once you get it home, the motor is easy to remove from inside the boat.  Two bolts.   But you might chect the Big fuse first!