Transom saver recommendations

[Whoopbass]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

The only thing I use a transom saver for is to keep the LU from scraping the ground and to keep the motor from bouncing. That's about all it can do.

Since small motors rarely have power trim TS are difficult to keep in place when trailering. I don't see how some of you guys only use a bungee cord to hold it in place. Actually, I think its impossible to only use a bungee.

I have to use an adjustable pull strap and attach one hook to the trailer directly under the motor and then run the strap over the motor and then connect the other hook to the trailer or to the other hook. Everything has to be centered and straight and then I have to pull the strap as tight as I can get it.

Even with the way I do it the TS still works it way off the outboard if the trip is long or if the road is rough.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

"I don't have a roller in the back and I have a big light right in the middle of the center of the back of my trailer. I have few options in terms of attaching a transom saver to the back of my trailer. I suppose I could bolt it to the bottom but there is already a large bolt poking through the bottom to hold a cushion in place and I'm not sure that bolt would fit through the hole on a bolted on transom saver. I was looking at the "My wedge" with the centering clips and wondering how that combination would work. I've actually read on other sites that some dealers don't recommend transom savers. My dealer told me it would "be fine" but the Mercury manual recommends one. Any thoughts?"

The Ve-Ve (and similar unit sold on this site,) mounts UNDER your crossbeam so your light/lack of roller shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Old Gamefisher]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

I have a boat and motor similar to the otriginal poster. I didn't want to wait for a transom saver to arrive in the mail, so I made my own for less than $15 and 20 minutes of work.

 

[kenzmadie]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

The Ve-Ve (and similar unit sold on this site,) mounts UNDER your crossbeam so your light/lack of roller shouldn't be a problem.

I did buy a similar unit from Cabelas. It has a bracket that mounts under the cross frame. I put in on the bolt that was already there for the cushion in the center. Because the bracket is held in place by only one bolt, the bracket twisted backward on the left side a bit from the weight of the TS. But, I trailered it 30 miles and back today and it worked quite well. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

"I did buy a similar unit from Cabelas. It has a bracket that mounts under the cross frame. I put in on the bolt that was already there for the cushion in the center. Because the bracket is held in place by only one bolt, the bracket twisted backward on the left side a bit from the weight of the TS. But, I trailered it 30 miles and back today and it worked quite well. Thanks for all the suggestions."


I should have mentioned that I wasn't thrilled with the single mounting option on the bracket. They REALLY should have added a few extra holes. That said, I drilled two holes in my bracket so that I could run bolts horizontally through my frame which is V shapped. Mine would have rocked around garenteed. No movement at all now. Don't be afraid to add another bolt.

__________________

 

[Expidia]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

Nice job. I was going to suggest to users who want to use the bolt on TS setup to just drill new holes in the frame. Those bolts they use for the pads are crappola for hardness. I would replace the bolt with a harder grade if anyone is using it to support the weight of an O/B.

I find the trick to drilling holes in frames real fast is to first go out and buy two new bits at Lowes or HD. One for the bolt size and the other one to use first for a smaller starter hole.

I had to do this when I mounted my new self centering rollers where previously Shoreland'r just used those cheap plastic cushions.

So I had to use new mounting plates and had no holes. I know the state of most of my drill bits (I have a drill Doctor now and it sharpens them great, highly recommend it).

But using two new drill bits using a small one first and than the larger one made the job as easy as drilling through Swiss cheese (almost)

Note: make sure the drill bits you buy are long enough to go through both sides of your frame if it's two sided and hold the drill level as you go through the second hole on the other side of the frame.

 

[krakatoa]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

Guys, actually i just waiting my TS to arrive, anyway my boat have a 1993 115HP Mariner o/b with power trim and the outboard doesnt bounce in any way without the TS, I didnt have that trouble..I just bought the TS as a "cheap insurance" and safety when trailering. Here is mine

Finally here, and believ me guys this one is grrreat! I bolt on to the cross frame and thats it, hold the O/B firmly, nice insurance!

 

[Expidia]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

Transom saver follow up:

My second TS was the T-Rex Transom saver with prop lock.
Been using it for several months.
Don't like the way the prop lock rod is a tight fit on the prop. It scratches the paint on the prop. At least it for my smaller 40 hp outboard. so I have not been using the prop lock rod part.

My Daughters new to her boat needed the style that reaches way under the transom cause that's where her trailer cross member is. So I bought her the Panther model.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...60808&cm_ite=0056607019562a&_requestid=109782

Just install with one bolt the bracket onto the frame or use an existing bolt already on your frame (I'm still going to drill a second hole for a 2 bolt install so bracket won't move).

I'm going to sell my T-Rex on craigslist and get the Panther model for my rig too. It installs in a snap. As another poster pointed out the end that goes into the frame is on a pin. The Panther is even better, no pin just twists into the bracket. The frame end looks like a licorice stick and it twists into a small slot in the frame bracket.

I also like the V-rubber system on this model. Mine has 4 hard rubber feet that can still mar the paint from rubbing. I have to use a rag over them. This Panther model's soft rubber V and soft rubber bungee is a better design in my opinion.

 

[jsmithwe]

Re: Transom saver recommendations

I have a 2007 Polar Kraft 1470L (14ft) aluminum boat, 15hp Johnson, and LoadRite trailer. I'm considering a transom saver for a couple reasons; the extra ground clearance, and to keep the motor from bouncing around on the transom. My question is how do you keep the motor from swiveling back and forth?

Please check out the Lock-n-Haul. This new generation device is a true transom saver, universal fit, small, tough, and completely stabilizes the outboard, both the tilt and steering pivots. Check it out at http://www.lock-n-haul.com