Do you need to use a transom saver?

[trendsetter240]

Do you still need to use a transom saver if your outboard can be trailered without tilting up the leg?

My boat sits high enough on my trailer that I don't need to trim up the engine to trailer. The motor has power trim and tilt and weighs 340 lbs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

No! But make sure that there is sufficient clearance when entering and leaving parking lots or similar situations. 15 inches would be the minimum I feel comfortable with.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

It does more good than harm to use one.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

I just measured and the clearance is 13". I think maybe I'm playing with fire here!

The clearance is fine for most roads and hwys. I stop when there speed bumps or entering the boat launch area and tilt it back then.

The problem with my trailer is that the angle and distance to the rear cross bar is too much for the transom savers I've seen.

What about using a large tie-down strap around the motor, with the motor tilted halfway up, anchored to the gunwales at the back?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

There was another product that I saw on here that you used in place of a traditional transom saver. It locked in under the motor and you tilt the motor down onto it. It kept the motor at about half tilt. Take a look at this www.lock-n-haul.com.

Cheers.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

There was another product that I saw on here that you used in place of a traditional transom saver. It locked in under the motor and you tilt the motor down onto it. It kept the motor at about half tilt. Take a look at this www.lock-n-haul.com.

Cheers.

Its a fine product, but it doesnt do the same thing. This still lets the transom twist under the weight, which a transom saver moves the weight to the top of the transom and to the trailer with no twisting. This thing reminds of the "whosits" a mythical product that does nothing and people buy it. Or a "pet rock" it just makes you feel better.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

I have not used a transom saver, I have been tilting mine all the way up and locking the trail locks at full tilt and setting the motor down on them. Keeps it almost all the way up.

I have heard arguments about transom savers actually causing more harm to transoms by pushing the engine load back against the transoms on rougher/bouncy roads and potholes...

So, like the OP question, should I use a transom saver???

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

What about using a large tie-down strap around the motor, with the motor tilted halfway up, anchored to the gunwales at the back?

I have done this on long trips as just piece of mind, I figured by using a ratchet strap and taking a little weight of the TnT, it cant hurt, but you have to between the prop and cav plate

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Do you need to use a transom saver?

I just measured and the clearance is 13". I think maybe I'm playing with fire here!

The clearance is fine for most roads and hwys. I stop when there speed bumps or entering the boat launch area and tilt it back then.

The problem with my trailer is that the angle and distance to the rear cross bar is too much for the transom savers I've seen.

What about using a large tie-down strap around the motor, with the motor tilted halfway up, anchored to the gunwales at the back?

Get one of these...

http://www.iboats.com/Adjustable_Tra...-view_id.37977

I had the same kind of issue with the rear cross bar that you had. Works great.

TerryMSU