Raising the Petrol - saving drag

I was out with a US friend recently.

He commented on something that was obvious.

" Why don't you guys raise your petrol motor whenever you stop? We do cause it reduces drag - so the electric don't have to work so hard"


It takes a fresh pair of eyes to see something obvious.

Any comments or thoughts?

Gary

[Stevo]

Yes that is true, it should reduce drag, but also it would also reduce your boats stability as the outboard leg acts somewhat as a keel.

Especially on a small boat, bigger boats shouldnt have a problem

Stevo

[Bream Master]

The drag from the motor can also be a benefit when the wind is blowing from behind and you are slow trolling. It prevents the back of the boat from blowing around on you which uses up more battery power trying to correct it.

If there is no breeze at all (heaven) I do pull up the motor as it means you can use a lower speed setting on the electric.

Warren.

[dantheman]

Gday
most guys here just leave them , as warren said, and for those reasons. its a strange thing

[Chris_Macca]

If there is wind or a strong current i will leave mine in otherwise it comes out.

[fatman]

I leave mine down.
As Stevo said, on a small boat the motor up will raise the centre of gravity and make the boat less stable.

FATMAN

I talked to my yank mate again.

What you all wrote made sence - he was talking about smooth waters, boats with width and flat bottoms - all very stable an no need for a "keel"

solved!

Gary