Noob question regarding outboards

[Debt_Finder]

I'm new to outboard motors and I noticed that at the dock I see alot of boats while docked have their engines trimmed out of the water (obviously) however is there a reason why the engines are turned either all the way to port or all the way to starboard. I leave my engines straight up at 90 degrees. Am I doing something wrong here?

[greyg8r]

They probably had turned the engines hard to port or starboard to dock it and just didn't bother to straighten them out. You're fine.

[ocnslr]

I've been told by at least 1/2-dozen mechanics that the engine(s) should be all the way to port or starboard. It reduces the load on the hydraulic system from the engines as the boat moves in the slip, i.e. wakes, etc.

Brian

[ndb8fxe]

There's two trains of thought for cable steering. on is that you turn the motor so that the pushrod that attaches to the motor is all the way retracted. This way it protects the rod and the rain, dirt or other elements doesn't effect to rod or cause greese lossage.

The other thought is to keep the motor turned so the rod is completely extended. This will help if the steering freezes you'll be able to tap it loose.

I have hydrolic steering and keep it centered and havent heard anything about it one way or the other.

[2stroker]

Haven't heard one way or another. I always keep them straight on my twins with hydraulic.

[Curmudgeon]

I turn mine to port so as to avoid kinking the rigging tube when fully raised...