Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

[rodmonadave]

do i need transom saver like the panther 1. or can i just use my tilt lock on my new 2009 etec 40hp

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

good way to break the tilt lock. get the right product for the job.

 

[rodmonadave]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

?and the right products is?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

I towed for many years ... didn't use tilt lock and never used a transom saver, just tilted motors enough so skeg wouldn't make ground contact. Many tens of thousands of miles, some on unimproved dirt logging roads and zero issues. Motors were 35HP through 175HP. Currently tow a 23' Grady WA with T 175HP motors. Don't waste your time and money, IMHO.

If your hull/motor combination can't handle a little rough road, how's it to handle really rough water? The most I would ever consider is tilting up, inserting a piece of 2x4 between the motor and bracket, then lowering against the wood.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

transom saver. rough water is a lot different than a rough pot holed road.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

Tash, I don't know where you boat, but I've seen 6 to 7' seas in the Atlantic which are way rougher than any road I've been on and produce far greater motor and hull stresses than the same roads. Or say a three foot bay chop with a lot of wind. Just my opinion. My dad also trailered many tens of thousands of miles pulling boats on trailers and never used a transom saver (and we had a boat business for many years ... sold lots of transom savers, but never, ever used them ourselves). The business was not on the water and every boat we sold had a trailer (except canoes). Just never saw the need and never had an issue.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

Let's see, on the water the boat and motor both can come out of the water and there is a definite shock as the motor again gains bite. That shock is directed nearly straight forward which is what the boat is designed for. The difference here is the motor is not swung at 45 - nearly 90 degrees and is not flopping around like it would be on a trailer. The tilt lock therefore takes a pounding and is subject to breakage. That same flopping action puts twisting forces on the transom that the boat is not designed for. Some are better than others certainly. But for the cost of a transom saver it is simply not worth the risk. There is certainly not as much risk to the transom as there is potential damage to the motor. If the boat can be towed with the motor full down and there is a foot or more road clearance there is no need for a transom saver. If not, you should use one and if you do, make darned sure the boat is tied to the trailer with stern straps. The transom saver is useless without them.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

Check your manual and see how is says to trailer the boat. Usually depends on whether or not you have a hydraulic trim system.

On mine, the manual says to extend the trailering bracket and lower the motor until it's snug against the trailer bracket. Not going anywhere.

 

[mitchell6]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

Transom saver is under $20 so why not use one? You winterize it in winter and but stai build in the gas to keep your gas good why take a chance on bracking a transom when the transom saver will last you for the life time of the boat for that small amount of money
Just my $0.02 worth

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Etec tilt lock can you tow with tilt lock only

JIM, 40hp in a 6-7 foot sea, he does not have much of a chance anyway. My Dad, never used a transom saver either, but that does not, make it right. they used what they had a the time. 2x4 wedge, and broken tilt locks.