transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

[22E6441]

Hi Folks,

This is my first post here, and probably won't be the last. I just bought and older 14' fg runabout with a 1969 Chrysler 35 hp motor. It runs good with lots of new parts installed etc.

Anyway, there's barely a foot of clearance between the skeg and road when the motor is in the down position, and there is no hydraulic powered fancy schmancy tilt and trim on this motor. It's an older boat too, and I want to avoid unnecessary stress on the transom while getting a bit more clearance from the road too.

So, I went into a local marina and asked about these transom saver things. The guy at the counter told me I was crazy for even considering it, as they are only meant for motors with power tilt and trim.

I've read a lot of different posts here about transom savers, but the following question is not answered clearly:

Can I use a transom saver safely with an old motor that does not have power tilt and trim?

Thanks!
Pat

 

[BigB9000]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

I dont see why you would need power trim....

seems like all it is is a rod that supports some of the weaight of the motor onto the iron/steel trailer.

logickly it dosnt seem like it could hut anything.

although, maybe your boat dealer only likes large engines with gangs of horsepower, thus, why even bother having a boat without power trim?!

Pull start and no trim, thats how I like it.

watch me save $80 every 6 months on a battery

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

If the clearance makes you nervous definitely get a transom saver, less than $50 and lots of peace of mind while you're towing. Your trailer will dictate which type you need. If you have a trailer cross member or roller easily accessible beneath the stern you can use a straight TS; if not, you might need one of the longer curved ones.

 

[22E6441]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

OK, thanks. From what one of my neighbours with a boat told me, the marina I went to are major boat snobs. The don't want to talk to you unless you have a boat worth at least 25,000 that you've bought from them.

I couldn't think of a good reason to not get one either. I'll need one that will bend under and blot to the trailer...I'm going to get one.

I wish we had one of those Cabela stores in southern Ontario.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

I wish we had one of those Cabela stores in southern Ontario.

If they will ship to Germany, they will surely ship to Canada.

I went online and ordered cataloges, they just came today (all eight of them), 6 days later.

 

[HondaPower]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

I tow with a transom saver holding up my no tilt and trim 50 Mariner and would not take it out of the driveway without it hooked up. If you cannot find one locally do as I do order on line from one of the many great places in the US. iboats carries a good selection of marine gear and ship to Canada no problem as will Bass Pro and Cabelas.

 

[22E6441]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

Yeah, it's just the shipping costs that kill you. I can get one from local sources, but that Cabela's store just seems so impressive!

I'm for sure getting one.

 

[22E6441]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

OK, one more question then. So I'm going to get the transom saver, should I use transom tie downs or just stay with my current gunwale tie down? Or both?

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

Yeah, it's just the shipping costs that kill you./QUOTE]

I hear you there. Shipping and Customs Tax!

 

[bassman284]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

OK, one more question then. So I'm going to get the transom saver, should I use transom tie downs or just stay with my current gunwale tie down? Or both?

Sounds like the counter guy is going to have a short career. Actually, I have known people who insist that you do NOT need a transom saver with pt&t. Takes all kinds.

Gunnel strap should be fine, IMO. A friend of mine uses one an his Tracker and uses a transom saver on his 40 Merc.

 

[roscoe]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

Transom savers are good, but you need the right one.
Most on the market today will only keep the motor from downward movement.
They will not keep the motor from bouncing UP, and then coming back down.
Also, when the motor bounces up, the transom savor will fall to the ground.

So you need to find the right one.


OR, use a small ratcheting strap to hold the motor down tight against the transom savor.

 

[22E6441]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

I bought a Panther transom saver that bolts on to the trailer. Problem is the placement of the back roller on the trailer......there's no way to mount the transom saver.

I'm going to convert my trailer to bunks and get rid of or remount the last roller so I can bolt the transom saver on.

 

[rocket1968]

Re: transom saver for old 35 hp motor w/o tnt

I used to recall raising my Johnson 40 (no comments there) and there was a pin that held it in the up position. The motor was also tilted to the side. I dont know how it is possible to tow a boat with the motor down and not knocking the drive against the pavement.