Towing position, without power trim

[RL]

I have a '71 Evinrude 60hp 3cyl that does not have a power trim on it.<br /><br />I'm curious as to what would be the best position to trailer this thing in is, and how to go about it. All of the information that I've run across ( including the other post currently running ) pertain to motors with power trim.<br /><br />Straight down won't work, hangs too low.<br />Tilted up on the factory brace doesn't work, won't lock in that position, I've tied it down in that position and got lucky on a long tow, but it usually comes loose and bounces down.<br />Tried a transom saver, worked a few times, then a good bump snapped the little cable on the botom end of the transom saver ( that goes around the roller onthe trailer) and the motor bounced down.<br /><br />I'm out of ideas, so I'm open to suggestions...no matter how wild .<br /><br />Thanks---------Robert

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Towing position, without power trim

You might try a long bungee from the roller, around the lower unit and then back to the roller to keep the motor in place so it doesn't bounce up and down and cause the saver to come loose.

 

[BillP]

Re: Towing position, without power trim

I like the idea of a bungee on the transom saver but here's another thought...Try a bungee on a wood block. Tilt the motor, put the block in and wrap the bungee around the motor so the block can't fall out. Then bungee the leg to the trailer so it will hold snug against the block and reduce bouncing. Our local flea market has 1/2" diameter bungees for $2 each. I use them for kayaks and trailering small boats. That size is perfect for your application and plenty strong. The local Harbor Freight has them too. Look around for them.<br /><br />What diameter and material was the cable that snapped?

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Towing position, without power trim

Just a thought,<br /><br />My old transom saver attached directly to the frame of the trailer (not the roller) and locked in. In this way it had no ability to bounce out.

 

[JB]

Re: Towing position, without power trim

Transom savers that have spring loaded telescoping features can absorb reasonable shocks.

 

[Forktail]

Re: Towing position, without power trim

Sounds like you just need a better quality transom saver. Maybe run a tie-down from the leg of the outboard to the trailer, to keep pressure against the transom saver. I've had the best luck with transom savers that lock on the trailer frame, rest against the outboard's leg, and bungie around the outboard leg.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Towing position, without power trim

RL<br /><br />I have a non PTT Merc and the transom saver is a bent solid bar that fits into a hole in the rear of the trailer. I tilt the motor up and lock it, install the bar and use a ratchet type tie-down to secure it. I towed it 3500 kms earlier this year with no problems. I did, however, modify the end of the bar to hold the motor centered, so it doesn't turn to the side and come loose.<br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/watermark.php?file=500/1413t-saver-med.jpg

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Towing position, without power trim

My transom saver (bottom roller type, non PTT)was otherwise decent but came with a really cheap rubber "truck tarp" type strap. I back it up with a bungee on each end and never had a problem. Make sure that unless the steering won't allow it to sway side to side that you tie the motor down so it can't try to spin out of the transom saver and otherwise wreak havoc whenever you go around a corner. I also use a ratcheting nylon strap looped one and a half times around the leg trapping the transom saver in place and also keeps it from swaying.