Need a Transom Saver?

[lncoop]

Over the weekend the family and I were out on the barge and had another family along. My buddy was driving while I was grilling some dead critters. Yes, it was as fun as it sounds. Anywho, while we were cruising I took a peek at the motor and I noticed water squirting into the pod on the port side of the boat. We took it easy the rest of the weekend and I took a closer look once I had her trailered for the drive home. What I discovered was a 2-3 inch crack in the corner weld at the bottom of the pod. I'm dropping it off this evening for what I assume will be a fairly simple repair. I have no idea how long it's been that way, but I think if it were very old I'd have caught it sooner. I'm just looking for theories as to what might have caused it. I can't help but wonder whether it's the result of towing without a transom saver, but I really don't know. Thoughts?

 

[ralphl]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

I wont tow without one but I sure see and hear about a lot of pontoon owners that dont use them. Why not?? Seems likea no brainer,, or am I missing something? This is my first pontoon and I always used them on my other boats.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

I dont use one----Cant------I have a centerlift trailor--

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

For over 25 years, I lived on a lake with my boat in the water at my back door. Since moving to south Florida about 3 months ago, I now have to trailer my boat again. I don't have far to go to several ramps so I won't be using a saver.

I've been rambling on to say that I doubt if the absence of a transom saver caused your crack unless you towed with the motor up. I think if you tow with it down, you won't experience any more stress on the transom than passing over several waves at high speed.

But, I've had a few beers so my opinion should be taken with a grain of salt. LOL

 

[5150abf]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

If you can get one to work then use it, yes it will cause them to crack eventually.

We have that once in a while but mosly with very large engines that are hauled a good distance.

Aluminum cracks, it is just the nature of the metal, it maybe wasn't welded the best or it may not have cracked btu it isn't uncommon.

Have whoever is fixxing it drill a small hole at the end of the crack and grind out the crack a bit into a V, the hole will stop the crack and the V will aloow more weld to get into it to fix it.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

5150, I'm sure you see the brand in my signature, so not welded that well is certainly a possibility. I do have a 90 horse and tow the boat regularly, often over not so smooth roads, so I guess I'll find a transom saver that fits. There is a place for one on the trailer. Since you mention the pilot hole will stop the crack I assume it needs to be at the top of the crack?

 

[Thad]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

Since you mention the pilot hole will stop the crack I assume it needs to be at the top of the crack?

If the crack starts at a joint then yes, at the end of the crack is where the hole goes.

If the crack is in the "middle" somewhere, then a hole should be drilled at both ends of the crack.

Oh, and I always used a tronsom saver on my big OBs when going any farther than the local ramp. Well, that is after the tilt/trim seal blew and the lower unit became part of the road.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

If the crack starts at a joint then yes, at the end of the crack is where the hole goes.QUOTE]

But which end?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

I use a transom saver on my 18' aluminum jon boat. The motor is a 90HP and weighs 270 lbs., when you think about it, that's a lot of weight to be bouncing up and down on that transom. I believe it's a good idea, especially for larger, heavier motors. My 2 cents!

 

[Thad]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

If the crack starts at a joint then yes, at the end of the crack is where the hole goes.QUOTE]

But which end?

At the end away from the seam or joint where it started. I assume the crack originated at the corner and has worked its way up along the corner? If this is the case, at the top of the crack .

If you took it to a reputable shop, or any welder worth a darn, he should already have done this as he would need to prep the area to be repaired and this would be part of the prep. The area needs to be super clean for the weld to take and hold.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

At the end away from the seam or joint where it started. I assume the crack originated at the corner and has worked its way up along the corner? If this is the case, at the top of the crack .

If you took it to a reputable shop, or any welder worth a darn, he should already have done this as he would need to prep the area to be repaired and this would be part of the prep. The area needs to be super clean for the weld to take and hold.

Okay, thanks Thad. He's been around a while and has always done good work for me, so I'm sure he'll do the job right. Thanks everyone for the input. The barge is there now.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

I wasn't taking a shot at anyone, that isjut how it is, my guy at work makes 20 pans a day every day so after awhile they are just parts and you kinda forget where they go.

It is a daily thing to remind guys about quality adn I am always reminding them that every single boat is important.

I try to get them to build stuff not for the first owner but for the 2nd or 3rd owner.

 

[VaGent]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

Its hard to find anyone these days who take PRIDE in their work verses how much money they are getting for the job performed. I'm from the "old school" that taught me that PRIDE in your work is the most important thing you can do other then a good solid repair job. My welder told me if he wasn't pleased with what he does then he knows for sure the customer isn't going to be pleased either.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

I wasn't taking a shot at anyone

Don't think anyone believed you were; at least I didn't. I very much appreciate the advice. That's why I'm on here.

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Need a Transom Saver?

Its hard to find anyone these days who take PRIDE in their work verses how much money they are getting for the job performed.

I disagree with that, it's a disrespectful attitude to take towards the millions of Americans that wear a blue collar to work everyday.

Anyway, back to the OP.

I use a transome saver, came with the boat. Probably takes less then 2 minutes to put it on and take it off.

Like others have said before me, it seems like a no brainer.