Question on Transom Saver

[cshyde]

I just purchased a used boat. I am trailering it to Rhode Island from New Jersey for a vacation at the end of July. I put new bearings, tires and wheels on and have been looking at Transom Savers for the engine. All of the ads I have read seem to imply that you need power trim and tilt on your engine to use it. Is this necesary as my outboard does not have power trim and tilt?

 

[crazyinkc]

Re: Question on Transom Saver

No, it just makes it easier if you do. I have a 90 Merc with no tilt/trim and I have mine adjusted to hold the lower up just a bit above where the latch rests on the bracket.

 

[Thad]

Re: Question on Transom Saver

First, I like the peace of mind that transom savers give me. I have an IO and use locks on my outdrive for long hauls. As for your motor. I like the idea that if the engine is secure, there is less chance of the motor bouncing and putting additional stress on the transom. Also, it eliminates the risk of the lock pin coming out and allowing the motor to drop.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Question on Transom Saver

Frequently discussed topic; many people believe they are unnecessary and some say they can do more harm to the trailer/motor than good they do to the transom/motor.

Part of the decision process is what boat/motor set-up?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Question on Transom Saver

If your gearcase hangs close to the road, I recommend you get a transom saver or block up the gearcase some other secure way. Some OBs have wimpy tilt locks, some have better ones. My ;98 150HP V6 Johnny has a real solid yoke-type lock that holds it 1/2 way up. If I did not have PTT, this is what I would use. Put a bunjii cord around the midsection to hold her in position.

Since I have PTT on my OB, a transom saver is unnecesssary. Ditto for an I/O with PTT.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Question on Transom Saver

hydraulics can leak and drift down. My skeg hits the ground when the boat is on the trailer, so it has a "transom saver" under it, held in place by a bungee strap, as a stop. The hydraulics carries the weight, but if they were to fail, I'm covered.