I would be tempted to take a shovel down to the marina on the next
extreme low tide and dig out an area around where the outdrive sits. If
you make the dug out area large enough in circumference, there will
still be some depth under the outdrive after it naturally settles. It
will be messy work, but could save you a lot of headaches and expense
later.

Tell anyone who asks what you are doing, that you are digging for
clams... really big ones.

Rob West wrote:
New Volvo Penta Ocean Series with the composite outdrive designed for
in-water storage in salt water. Dealer suggested that at dock, leave
outdrive down completely so the hydraulic piston controlling outdrive
trim is completely drawn in and not exposed to salt water. This is
the only part of the outdrive not bottom painted, including the
stainless duoprops.

Problem is with winter low tides here in SW Florida, with the outdrive
down, at low tide, the outdrive is pinned in mud at the dock. (We had
-0.87 ft low tide two nights ago.)

Anyone have any experience or knowledge on whether its better with the
outdrive down pinned with some of the boat's weight on it but with a
protected hydraulic piston or up with the boat floating free but an
exposed stainless trim piston? The issue would be buildup of marine
life on the stainless piston that might damage seals as the piston is
drawn in as it would be trimming down. I realize this is a new issue
with an I/O actually designed to be left in salt water.

Suggestions? Thanks!
Rob West