Home › Forum › Ask A Member › 1971 Johnson 9R71R Tilt Mechanism › Re: 1971 Johnson 9R71R Tilt Mechanism
I understand the confusion with this tilt mechanism. On a side note – other than locking the motor down for those who need to go backwards (reverse) really fast, what is the purpose of the run/lock position on outboards? I mean, most of these small motors are going on very small aluminum boats or being used as kickers. Going much above idle usually results in swamping the boat. With a V-hull, they swap pretty easily, with a jon/flat boat, I can’t image you ever go faster than idle in reverse.
If the motor is staying on a trailer, I leave tilt lock OFF, and use a ratchet strap to keep the motor from fishing tailing every time you take a corner on the road.
If memory serves correct, I think I’ve had a couple of 20-25hp motors (58-76 generation) climb out of the water at WOT when taking more aggressive corners, this is while going 20MPH forward, but other than that, I can’t think of a reason to ever lock the motor into the low position. Even with the motor climbing out of the water on plane, I still wouldn’t lock it down, I’d just not go so fast.