Pontoon towing procedure???

[mpdive]

OK. Hope this is not a super novice question, But......When towing my 2010 Bentley pontoon, should I have the outboard tilted up resting on the support or left in the down position? I see a lot of people towing with the engine down which makes me think I look "unschooled" going down the road. Is there more transom stress with the motor all the way up?
Thanks!!!:joyous:

 

[NYBo]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

If you have adequate clearance with the motor down, there shouldn't be a problem with towing with it that way. If you need to tilt it up, don't rely on the regular tilt lock; it's not made to withstand the forces exerted on it when trailering. Get either a trailering bracket specific to the motor or a transom saver. However, if you have power tilt & trim, that unit should be adequate to support the outboard on smooth roads.

 

[delta229]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

It's mostly about clearance from the bottom of the lower unit to the road but also consider how much the motor sticks below the trailer. I know several pontoon people and they are mixed on the answer. At the cost of a new lower unit I would lean toward having the motor up and the lock in place or even better a support arm.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

Great info!! I do have quite a bit of clearance but I guess it would be the unexpected set of railroad tracks or steep drive that could put the whammy on ya. I do have the power trim on it. I like the idea of an additional support and will look into it. Thanks again for the quick replies. Looks like I have to change my profile pic since I traded the sporty boat for a "mini van" LOL:laugh:

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

Alot of it depends on the trailer set up. If I were to tilt my motor up on my toon trailer it would be WAY up in the air. As it is my lower unit sits even with my trailer crossmember so I don't bother, because I feel I have enough clearance and to get a transom saver from the lower unit to the crossmember would be quite the distance.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

mine just hangs down

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

I towed with mine vertical until the welder who repaired the cracks in my motor pod recommended a transom saver, AKA motor deflopperizer. I know opinions are divided on MDs, but I use one now. YMMV.

 

[OK Toon]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

I tow with the motor in the vertical position on my pontoon. But I'm leaning towards getting a Transom Saver due to the very rough highway we drive on (I busted a 1" strap that was used to hold the bow of the boat from bouncing on the trailer -- I now use two 2" straps to hold it down to the trailer).

 

[mpdive]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

Thanks to all! I just purchased an Atwwod transom saver. Better safe than sorry. Again, a big THANKS for the replies.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

So do you listen to Brecht on the toon? That would result in some annoyed looks from the admiral on my boat.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Pontoon towing procedure???

So do you listen to Brecht on the toon? That would result in some annoyed looks from the admiral on my boat.

I try to listen to John Prine but she keeps shutting it off.....:grumpy::lol: