A question from gafchic made me think it might be good to review how one can position the Mirage Drive correctly before tightening the cam lock knobs. As a lot of us have noted over the years, sometimes the Mirage drive has a mind of its own when you are trying to get it inserted correctly in the drive well.
1. First, make certain that you have sufficient water under the keel so that you can align both pedals side by side as you put the Drive into position. The fins/sails will then be pointing straight down. I usually do this standing in about 2 feet of water next to the boat before I get in. But if you are doing a surf launch, or are in deeper water, it is still easy enough to place the Mirage Drive in the well after you get underway. But ALWAYS keep the Mirage drive leashed to a cleat or eyestrap/padeye somewhere in the boat. The chances are slim that a Drive will come loose from the locked cam lock knobs if you should flip, but if you are carrying it on deck (as during a surf launch or return), why gamble--those babies are expensive!
2. Then tip both aligned pedals forward about 4-6 inches as you get ready to insert the Drive. It will usually drop right into place with the Mirage drive pins in the correct position in the cam lock knob slots.
3. Often a slight fore and aft rocking motion helps, as you place the Drive pins in the cam lock knob slots. Just don't force it, and make sure it is all the way down before twisting the cam knobs to lock it. Also make sure the Pitot tube speedometer holder is forward (unless you want to go in reverse!). Here is the drive in the correct position with both cam lock knobs locked down. You should hear a satisfying “thunkâ€
