should I get a transom saver?

[AF rigger]

new to boating here and need some advice. I have a tracker 14 sportsman with a 20hp mercury. I trailer to the local lake but some of the road is dirt/gravel with sections of rip in it. Should I install a transom saver to keep the engine from bouncing while on these roads? I have noticed the side guides (PVC tubing) bouncing like crazy going down this road. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[444]

Re: should I get a transom saver?

No reason not to. However for motors without power tilt/trim, you need to wrap a strap around the lower unit of the motor to keep it tight to the transom saver. A simple bungee is not a good idea here IMO, I would use something secure like a ratchet strap.

 

[JB]

Re: should I get a transom saver?

Yes.

 

[75starcraft]

Re: should I get a transom saver?

I also am new to boating but the people here are so helpful and advised me to get one and i did best thing i did now all motor weight is on trailer not transom would definately get one

 

[AF rigger]

Re: should I get a transom saver?

Thank you all for the advice, will put it on my "to get" list, right after I get the motor running again!

 

[masintenn]

Re: should I get a transom saver?

I'd also suggest you don't get the cheap SeaSense one. I've got on on my 10, and the motor moves side to side a little.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: should I get a transom saver?

IMO they are not necessary, especially for a motor that small. A simple tie down to reduce the bouncing is all you need, if anything.

The problem with attaching the motor to the trailer is that when the boat/motor goes one way the trailer goes the other, and you are jarring the motor's connection to the hull at the steering area. Meanwhile, no one has ever seen a tilt-bracket fail, as long as the motor doesn't bounce up off it.

If your transom can't handle it, you need a new transom.

This is one of those debatable boating topics, for which there are well-developed arguments on both sides, and no right answer, except, of course, mine.

 

[tonk62]

Re: should I get a transom saver?

An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure. I would get a transom saver

 

[likalar]

Re: should I get a transom saver?

For the rough road you describe, yes. Also make sure the boat is very tightly secured to the trailer, so the boat, motor and trailer all bounce tightly together. If you notice any weakening of the transom over time, consider removing the motor when you travel that road. If yours is the Tracker I'm thinking of, it has a beefy inner platform welded in place, right?...and should hold up as well as any. Good luck.

Larry