Transom Saver Brackets

JoshOnt

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 12, 2013
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What are you opinions on these? Are they worth the money or are they just a nice to have? Pros/cons?
 

flyingscott

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Apr 8, 2014
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I think definitely worth the money, but it depends on your trailer if you can trailer safely in the full down position then no you probably don't need it. If you have to trailer tilted up then yes I would recommend one.
 

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Yep I think he is correct. If you have a heavy/strong transom and can tow with motor locked down then probably not needed. Lighter transom or a really heavy motor that needs to be tilted up when trailering, then probably needed. Also how bumpy are the roads you travel? If all smooth paved roads and no bumps then probably not, but if you use bumpy roads then by all means yes. They are not expensive and easy to use and may just save your transom from any damage. When I had OB motors I always used them, even made them for my small boat and motor combo's. To me the gamble is not worth the minor expense.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
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Jun 26, 2011
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14,605
My opinion is they serve a good purpose. Even a boat with a small engine sitting on the transom creates small amounts of stress to the transom if it is allowed to move. A motor toter, transom stabilizer, deflopalator or what every you want to call it, stabilizes the engine and reduces vibration and movement and that can help save a transom form repetitive stresses while trailering. And that helps in the long run.
 

WIMUSKY

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Sep 26, 2009
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I always use one when traveling more than a few miles.....
 

Silvertip

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Sep 22, 2003
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You will get mixed opinions on this topic and it depends on the size of the engine we are talking about.. But nearly every manufacturer of the smaller engines without power tilt/trim will indicate in their manual that the engine should not be transported tilted up and resting on the tilt-lock. The tilt lock is what holds the engine up when tilted out of the water and is really intended for use when the boat is docked. Engines with tilt&trim are a little less problematic in that regard as the engine will not flop around like the smaller versions. But even then, a de-flopperizer as we like to call them can be a benefit --- if used correctly.
 

Texasmark

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Dec 20, 2005
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14,778
My last several engines had PTT and I could see the engine in the truck's rear view mirror. For these I did not need, nor want such. If I couldn't see the engine, yes have one. If I didn't trust the PTT, yes have one. If an I/O yes, definitely have some kind of fixed support excluding the PTT or tilt system because if you can see the outdrive, you aren't pulling the boat.....it's somebody elses.
 

Watermann

Starmada Splash of the Year 2014
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Jan 12, 2013
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Then you have the same reason to use that device as trailer sticks on a IO setup, just to take the load off the hydraulic rams.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
The difference in an OB and Sterndrive is the powerhead offsets the load of the midsection and lower unit with the OB. However, if the transom can't take the ride on a spring axled trailer as compared to having a couple hundred ponies twisting on it, bouncing across 3' waves at 50 mph then you have the wrong boat.
 

JoshOnt

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
487
The difference in an OB and Sterndrive is the powerhead offsets the load of the midsection and lower unit with the OB. However, if the transom can't take the ride on a spring axled trailer as compared to having a couple hundred ponies twisting on it, bouncing across 3' waves at 50 mph then you have the wrong boat.
I had the same school of though. If the transom is rated for 95 HP why would I need to brace it for some bumps when it is solid and not rotten. I guess better safe than sorry?
 

Watermann

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I had the same school of though. If the transom is rated for 95 HP why would I need to brace it for some bumps when it is solid and not rotten. I guess better safe than sorry?

or why have all that road shock to the motor mounts and transom, ya know the ones that make you clench your teeth and grip the wheel as the trailer smashes into the road hazard and you watch in the rear view mirror as the motor bounces up and down... when you can just support it and just not worry.
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
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Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,365
or why have all that road shock to the motor mounts and transom, ya know the ones that make you clench your teeth and grip the wheel as the trailer smashes into the road hazard and you watch in the rear view mirror as the motor bounces up and down... when you can just support it and just not worry.

AMEN !!!
 
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