Boat/Motor Storage Question

[DuckHunterJon]

Hi all. Starting to think about putting the boat up for the winter (still have a few trips left). I decided to clear out the garage yesterday, and see if the boat would fit. With 1/2" on each side squeezing through the overhead door, and about 3' front to back clearance, it fits!

My question, though - I use a transom saver when trailering (not trying to start a discussion here, it's in my manual so I use it). When backing it in the garage, I had to lower the motor for it to fit. My question is, should I support the motor with a wood block between the skeg and the floor for the winter? It's a 200 Optimax - 497 lbs. Just looking for opinions on whether I should support it to take the load off the transom. I know the transom can take the force, and takes much more force when jumping out of the water - but for long term (4 - 5 months) - what do you think. I would also think it would take the pressure off the trim system, which might be a good thing.

Thanks!

 

[sandiegosteve]

Re: Boat/Motor Storage Question

I've wondered the same thing. I store the engine as close to down/verticle as I can which gives the opportunity to support the motor.

I worry about too much support and putting pressure the other way. Or if the rig is bumped, climbed on it would put odd pressure on the skeg.

We don't do long term storage much in Southern California, for me it is a week by week thing. Curious what folks who stre a lot have to say.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Boat/Motor Storage Question

I wouldn't worry about supporting the motor with it just sitting there. It'll hang there 'til the cows come home and won't hurt your transom. And if your transom did crack or fail, then you were in need of a rebuild anyway. Good Luck!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat/Motor Storage Question

If you want to support something, jack up the trailer and support the frame with jack stands. This takes pressure off the springs and tires and helps prevent them from taking a "set". If you support it high enough that the wheels are off the ground, give them a spin when you walk by to keep the bearing rollers and races from developing marks at contact points. The motor does not, nor should it, be supported by the skeg. BEFORE you park it, treat the fuel, change lower unit lub and then run the engine long enough to get the treated fuel through the entire fuel system.

 

[109jb]

Re: Boat/Motor Storage Question

Putting a support under the skeg while storing the boat sounds like a good way to bend the skeg to me.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Boat/Motor Storage Question

Thanks for all the replies. I will leave it where it is, about an inch off the floor.

As for the rest of the winterization, not yet!!! Still hoping to get a few more perch/bass/walleye outings before the weather turns too bad (and deer season starts in full swing). I'll be one of the nut's out there bundled up in bib overalls and a carhartt jacket - but at least I'll be out there!

Thanks again.

 

[shrew]

Re: Boat/Motor Storage Question

It's my understanding, and I could be wrong, that the transom saver was intended for transportation purposes. The motor is down all day long when the boat is in the water and when running. When the boat is transported the motor is up, and the forces from bouncing down the road with the motor in the up position is what puts force on the transom.

In the yards all I/O boats are stored with the drive all the way down. The same with outboards (stored down). This is to ensure proper drainage in freezing conditions. I don't recall ever seeing an outboard winter stored in a yard with the drive up.

Personally, I would see no need to use the transom saver when stored for the winter.