"Boatdoc, I have seen people o
"Boatdoc, I have seen people over the years doing things that probably you and I and many others wouldn't do: running outboards without the cowl; linking together starter wires with a piece of electrical tape; going in the open and in fog without a compass, a GPS, bilge pump; not carrying sufficient gas for an intended trip; running carbs without flame arrestor; and a long etc. I, too, have seen a lot of VP outdrives without the shift cover, but that doesn't make it right or safe; especially, when we are not talking about an expensive item. Nevertheless, and as I said, it's Eric's call."