Motor Support Needed?

[keninaz]

I have a 14' Lowe with a tiller controlled Mercury 9.9 4 Stroke HP motor. I will tow this boat up to 300 miles in one direction to fish at times. The motor comes in at 125# and the transom appears to be solid construction. I have never seen a smaller boat like this with a support for the motor but someone locally told me I ought to have one.

 

[JoshOnt]

I would say you don't need it but having one certainly could not hurt. I personally would not put one on but each to their own.

 

[robert graham]

If you don't want a transom saver/support, consider a 2X4 stud in front of leg held in place tightly with a bungee cord....

 

[keninaz]

That might be an idea too. Thanks

 

[airshot]

Years back when I had a 14' with a 9.9 jonnyrude I had to tilt the motor up for road clearance. Rather than a transom saver I used a modified piece of 2x4 that I made for the tilt mechanism then used a bungie cord to keep the motor from bouncing. That should be your goal....motor rigid while towing is good, if motor can bounce then damage can and will occur. Whether you choose to use a transom saver or create your own device you just do not want a bouncing motor.

 

[gm280]

ken, I never ever trailered any boat without a motor support. Even my little 7.5HP OB I actually took it off the hull and laid it inside the hull. Because even a little bouncing effect does work the transom and is so easily stopped. So buy or make something that keeps the engine in place and locked tight and happy boating... JMHO!

 

[Teamster]

I would have it supported and as near vertical as practical,...

Motor mounts will break on a 9.9 4 stroke if not trailered properly,..

I was quoted 2 grand to tear mine down and put new mounts in, They bolt through the oil sump and the powerhead has to come off,...

I bought another used 9.9 merc kicker for 800 bucks,....Still have to try to fix the other one,..

 

[keninaz]

Interesting. My manual says that I should not trailer the motor in a upward locked position used for planning adjustment. So it cannot be locked and when in neutral there are no stops needless to say.
I think rather than spending money I will just make a wooden support to give the prop a bit more clearance and then use a ty down to keep it steady going down the road.