Transom Saver

[lumberdude]

Any outboard motor people ever use one of these? I worried that my motor will damage my transom going down the road. The guy at the local marine says that if the transom won't take the road beating, than it definetly won't take the tork of big wakes on the lake. He will be losing a sale if I take his advice, so that makes me tend to believe him. He told me to get it if it makes me feel better, but basically they just sell them because people think they actually do something.

Any comments?

lumberdude

[nedL]

I basically agree with what he said, however why should we 'beat on it' (the transom) any more than we need to. I've always just taken the engine off when towing any distance - though given the oportunity I would certainly use one - 'transom saver' that is. If you drop the engine to the vertical running position while towing it will greatly reduce the twisting while bouncing, just make sure you have good ground clearance for the prop.

[Rich VanValkenburg]

yep. I made one from a 2x4 for my, cough... aluminum fishing boat and 20hp Merc. It bolts to the arse end of my trailer, via a piece of angle through-bolted to each side of the 2x4. The angle pieces have a 1/2"+ hole to handle a 1/2" through bolt to another set on the trailer. Then I cut a V and added carpet to protect the lower unit.

These are a good idea. Like nedl says, anything to keep the transom from getting beat up. Another thing is that it keeps the lower unit up and out of the way of anything that you might run over on the road, muffler, wheel, truck tire parts, etc.

Rich

[Memphis Mike]

I use one Lumber. If you are going to tow
with the motor up its a good idea. The motor
will beat the crap out of your transom if you don't. The guy at the store doesn't know what
he is talking about. I've seen boats with
cracked transoms due to the shock they
encountered during towing.

[ 05-16-2002, 04:30 PM: Message edited by: Memphis Mike ]

[lumberdude]

Well, I was almost convinced not to get one until you guys once again brought the light of common sense. I went and picked one up a while ago, and I think it's going to work out just great. Why take a chance right? Besides, I like how it holds the motor up higher so there is no chance of scraping.

Weather permiting, I'm going to finish up the last few days of my vacation with lots of fishing. Friday looks out, but Saturday and Sunday are a definite possibility.

Thanks again guys.

lumber

[Roger Stouff]

YES YES YES YES!

Did I mention, YES! Use it. No ifs ands or buts.

smile.gif

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

Yup, I gots one for my 110 HP Merc on the '57 Thompson Sea Lancer. I tow the boat quite a bit. I don't have one for my 35 HP Johnson that's on my '55 Thompson Thomboy however. maybe I should...