How to place my motor for trailering??

[jsr_1648]

I have a 16' x 48" lowe flat bottom with a 1985 25hp evinrude tiller handle. I am already tired of taking the motor off and putting it back on everytime. Whats the best way to trailer a motor this size where i can leave it on the boat? Leave it down and ratchet strap it or tilt it up and get some sort of transome saver? or what? cant figure out whats the safest and best way to do it. thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: How to place my motor for trailering??

Trailer it so that the skeg cannot contact the road. That includes dips and drive entrances. If that means tilting her up I recommend a transom saver, which also might save the foot and skeg.

 

[colbyt]

Re: How to place my motor for trailering??

As usual Jb's answer is right on target. I am in a similar choice making mode.

What I plan to do is measure the motor drop in the running position, cut a small stick 2" longer and clamp it to the transom and then drive around an see what it hits. Driveways, potholes and aprons are the most likely problem points. If I must trailer it in the up tilted position I will buy or make a transom saver because my owner's manual clearly states that the lift hold pin is not designed for trailering in that position.

 

[Milemaker13]

Re: How to place my motor for trailering??

I feel like the transome saver does just that... Saves your transome from the torque effect of the motor bouncing. And also avoids the skeg hitting the road surface. I also have a 25 horse on my aluminum boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: How to place my motor for trailering??

Yes tilt it up unless you have high clearance.

However, you can trailer a 25 on the tilt latch all day every day.

You probably should tie the motor down to prevent a freak event of the motor bouncing up, the latch operating against its spring and closing, and your motor falling down right when you are crossing a speed bump. Also to keep it from flopping from side to side, if your steering is loose.

Transom savers don't save transoms (except maybe rotted ones that should be replaced anyway). transoms can handle motors.

If your latch seems frail, put a block of wood up under there, but tie it both to keep it in place and to prevent it from falling out and hitting the car behind you (same with transom savers). For years I used a hammer handle on my 18 that didn't have a latch.