EZ Tips

Rod separation
When both units are down and pointed straight back, the connected rod should be as close to being completely compressed as possible. If only two or three grooves are showing, the rod is the right length. If you have five or more grooves showing, you need a longer rod.

 

Rod separation with auxiliary unit raised
Make sure the bracket on the auxiliary outboard is not centered on the exhaust housing. It should be tipped slightly off center toward the main unit. Also, make sure the pivot tension on the auxiliary outboard is backed off so it is completely free to turn.

 

Large outboard binds when in the up position
Move both motor brackets down low and turn slightly towards each other. This will relieve the binding in most cases.

  1. In some cases the large engine cannot be lifted all the way up, only 3/4 of the way as it puts too much of an angle on the rod.
  2. Most large outboard motors are not designed to be steered in the tipped up position, they become top heavy.
  3. With the large outboard down, you have more positive steering control as it acts as a large rudder when under power with the auxiliary.
  4. Don’t fish with the big motor in the up position, because the larger motor sticks out and you may catch your line on it when trying to net your fish!
 

Rod does not adjust properly, it is either too loose or too tight.
(Either the auxiliary will not follow because the rod slips, or with the auxiliary motor tipped up the rod does not extend.)

Move the inner rod in or out of the outer rod. If the inner rod will not move, remove the white plastic cap on the outer rod and back off the Allen screw inside the detente tube. As soon as the inner rod is movable, extend or insert the inner rod until you feel the detente pin drop into one of the grooves in the inner rod.

At this point, tighten the Allen screw until it is snug. Now back off the Allen screw one and one-half turns. This will adjust the rod so that approximately 20 pounds of pressure is needed to make it adjust.

If you want to check the accuracy of this adjustment, you can extend the rod, place the end of the rod on a bathroom scale, and try to compress the rod. Check the scale reading to see how much pressure was needed to compress the rod. If further adjustments are necessary, turn the Allen screw by one-eighth of a turn increments. It changes very quickly.

Outdrives:

Raise both motors without disconnecting rod even with a full (or 3/4) swim platform.
Swim platform models take a special bracket and longer rod. The quick connector must point down to give proper clearance under the platform. If the rod hits the swim platform, point the auxiliary bracket quick connect down. If this does not correct the problem then please call us.

Different outdrives require different brackets.

OMC: Pre-1984 OMC units will take the OMC bracket. For drive units produced after 1984, the cobra bracket will be required. In 1994 Volvo and OMC joined forces to make a drive unit. This unit requires the Volvo-SX/Cobra bracket.

MERCRUISER: serial numbers between 2062141 and OD469858 inclusive, requires an Alpha I system. If the serial numbers are OD469859 and above, Mercruiser requires an Alpha II system. If, however, the outdrive says Bravo, it will need a Bravo bracket system.

VOLVO: Pre 1989 units will need a Volvo I bracket system. 1989 to 1994 units will require a Volvo II bracket system. Volvo SX and DX units will require the Volvo SX/Cobra bracket system. (Refer to OMC section)

SAILBOAT: This is the only bracket assembly that requires the drilling of any holes. (The rudder needs to be drilled to mount the bracket to it.) We recommend putting the bracket on with “C” clamps before drilling any holes. This is to make sure the bracket is in the right position before drilling the rudder. Once the bracket is in the desired position, the bracket can be used as a template for drilling the rudder.

The sailboat system is also the only system where it is sometimes desirable to disconnect the rod. The rudder on most sailboats has a much greater turning radius than most auxiliary outboard motors, therefore, the motor in some cases will restrict the turning of the rudder when under sail. At that time, we recommend that the rod be popped off the rudder, the rod placed alongside the auxiliary motor, and held in place by a bungee cord.

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