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How to Check an Outdrive on a Boat

Power boats are much like cars in that they require similar maintenance and upkeep to remain in proper working condition. And like cars, powered boats range in engine size from four, six and eight cylinders. However, upon considering the purchase of a used boat or assessing the condition of your own, there are some simple preventative measures you can take. Check your boat's outdrive -- while still in place -- by examining its gear ratio for the correct ratio for your engine.

Things You'll Need

Socket
Breaker bar
Permanent marker
Assistant

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the engine to the off position.
- 2
  Place the drive in the forward gear.
- 3
  Insert the socket and breaker bar to a solid surface on the engine. Turn the engine over in a clockwise rotation with the instruments.
- 4
  Make the turn 1/4 full rotation from the engine's original position. This should take out what is known as the "slop," or movement in the outdrive.
- 5
  Place a mark on the front pulley of the engine. Also, mark the location of the prop.
- 6
  Ask your assistant to watch the mark you made on the prop.
- 7
  Turn the engine with your instruments until the prop rotates once. Notice how far the engine had to rotate for the prop to reach a full turn. A full rotation of the prop has a direct correlation to the turn of the engine. For example, if your engine rotated to 1 1/2 turns making the prop rotate in 1 full turn, your gear ratio is 1.5. This is an appropriate ratio for a V-8 engine.

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