Can I store my outboard on my transom, or do I need to remove it?

[jimmwaller]

Hi all,

I have a 1955 LoneStar Riviera (18 feet) and an older (70's?) 20hp outboard. I use it probably once a week or once every two weeks. Can I keep my outboard on the transom, or should I be removing it every time? I store in dry storage so I see a lot of other boats around, and some of them seem to keep large outboards on the transom all the time and others seem to remove them always. Not sure if there's some combo of engine weight, transom material, etc. that determined whether this is safe?

My boat is aluminum and it has a 2" ish wood transom, and then that wood is covered in aluminum. But my motor is heavy?it's a 20hp from the 70's a think, so it probably weighs 60 pounds, give or take? Just want to make sure i'm not like slowly bending the transom or something.

Would appreciate any thoughts. thanks!

 

[SkiDad]

Leave it on. There is WAY more force on the transom when you are running

 

[SeaDooSam]

Yes definitely leave it on. If you are worried about theft get a lock. However for the winter, if you have a garage, since it is only 20hp and presumably light enough to carry I would put it in a heated storage area. This way you do t necessarily have to winterize and its better for the engine than sitting out.

 

[jimmwaller]

thank you both for your replies! Gonna leave it on, but glad i checked

Thanks for putting my mind at ease!