Towing my outboard

[4runneradam]

This might be a newbie question, but this is my first boat. What's the proper way to set your motor up when towing? I used to put it in the upright position and lock it in place with the little notched clip (have to use a bungee cord on top to hold it down, motor fell down on me once during towing) but I found a metal rod while cleaning out the boat today, and I believe it's a lock for towing. Here's a pic

Is that what it is? Do I have it set up correctly? I have the clasp on the motor hooked around it.


Another pic of the ground clearance with the motor stowed this way.....

Do you think theres enough ground clearance here? Seems kind of low, I don't want to scrape the ground.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Towing my outboard

That bent metal rod is the towing rod and you appear to have it installed correctly. However, mine is welded at a specific angle and plugs into the tilt adjustment holes in the clamps. I can only put it in from the port side. If I put it in from starboard, it will miss the pads on the engine. Yours looks like it fits in the trim/tilt mount holes.

Do not tow with the metal clip on the side of the engine clamp. This is just for storage. Bouncing forces from towing will put undue stress on the bolt. Even though it has a 3/4 head, the threaded portion of the bolt is only 5/16 in size. Couple that with the fact that it may bounce down, and it's not a good idea.

When towing, turn the engine to one side and use 1 or more bungees to secure it down to the towing tilt bar and keep it from flopping from side to side.

Seems to have enough ground clearance from the photo--looks like more than 1 1/2 foot.

 

[section8]

Re: Towing my outboard

i just got a used force 120 1990 to replace my dead johnson. got gas at mobil then rode about 5 minutes when engine died. mechanic found a gallon of water in the gas tank. anyway i have no towing bar at all with the used motor. where can i get one of those thingys?????thanx

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Towing my outboard

They show up on Ebay from time to time. As well, keep an eye for anyone carrying a lot of Force motor parts...usually they will have one they might sell you.

 

[section8]

Re: Towing my outboard

what do you think i should enter in the e bay search?force towing pin or bar or something? thank you much

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Towing my outboard

I would start with a 'force' search (I think thats what I saw one under before). Then perhaps try 'outboard' and see what comes up for accessories.
Good luck and if I come across any leads I'll forward the info for you.

 

[4runneradam]

Re: Towing my outboard

Towed the boat today. The tow bar works 100% better than I was doing it before. Much more sturdy.

 

[baxtr]

Re: Towing my outboard

ebay is best, they do have them at mercruiser.com bout 100 bucks.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Towing my outboard

The tow bar for my 85hp Force looks similar to yours. Mine is set up so that it installed with the trim pin in the 3rd or 4th hole. On the port side, there is a little L bent end on the bar that goes UNDER the pin holes, and a hole IN the tow bar that the trim pin goes through. I am wondering if your tow bar is in upside down?