Newb Question regarding transom saver

[Hawkerplt]

I just bought a 2008 Lund Alaskan 2000 with a 90 Optimax. The rig is on a Shore Land'r trailer with rollers. With this set up there is no place for a transom saver. The most aft cross-member on the trailer is a good 18" foward of the tansom. The selling dealer said that tilting the engine all the way up and then lowering down to the tilt support lever is an acceptable way of trailering the boat. I'm looking for a second opinion on this. I attempted a universal Swival Ez (one that you can adjust angles and lengths etc.) and didn't care for that setup. Too close to the ground...

Thanks and good evening...

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Newb Question regarding transom saver

If you are trying to relieve stress on your transom, I don't think you need to worry. The aluminum transom is well supported and listed as being heavy duty in construction. If in doubt you could contact Lund and ask their advise.

However, if you need to get more distance between the skeg and the ground while trailering, you could raise the engine and place a wood block between the engine and the bracket, then lower the engine onto it to hold it in place. I used to do this with a 300 Evinrude I was trailering on the back of a Wellcraft. Use straps to help secure it in place. The tilt bracket doesn't seem strong enough to me to take the stress of supporting the engine while in transit on the trailer.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Newb Question regarding transom saver

We have a similar setup (Lund w/Shorelandr' roller trailer). The support bracket on the motor is not really meant for towing of any distance. It can bend and be rendered useless if you hit a large enough hole.

I bought a transom saver that has adjustable extensions to reach the rear cross member on the trailer. It fits into a bracket that is easily mounted on the bottom of the cross member, and there are straps that wrap around the lower unit where the "V" fits on the transom saver. Sorry, I don't recall the brand name, but I'm sure your dealer would know.

 

[scottzfx]

Re: Newb Question regarding transom saver

I've been reading about the transom saver and am wondering if I need one. I have a 1973 16 foot fiberglass with a Johnson 115 on it. It is not power trim and it does have a locking tilt bar that locks it up at an angle. I'm a newb to boating and the last thing I want is to have the transom crack. The transom does sound and look solid.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Newb Question regarding transom saver

A transom saver locks your outboard to the trailer frame and keeps them together as one unit, to minimize strain on the transom. On my last trailer, I installed a simple pipe U on the back of the frame and put a roller on it, to have a place to anchor a straight transom saver. Worked well, and didn't interfere with loading/trailering.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Newb Question regarding transom saver

I've been reading about the transom saver and am wondering if I need one. I have a 1973 16 foot fiberglass with a Johnson 115 on it. It is not power trim and it does have a locking tilt bar that locks it up at an angle. I'm a newb to boating and the last thing I want is to have the transom crack. The transom does sound and look solid.

Yep, I think it would be a good idea to get one, but that's just my 2 cents worth. I'm surprised your 115hp doesn't have power trim (guessing it must weigh 300-400 lbs). At any rate, that's a lot of weight to be supported by just the transom. For me, the TS helped remove one more thing to worry about.

 

[Steve in Indiana]

Re: Newb Question regarding transom saver

Cabela's has a transom saver model that will work for you. There are a couple of choices, but one part number is IK-011012.

Search "Cabela's Frame Mount Transom Saver" and you'll find it. I tried posting a direct link but it didn't take...

I am of the opinion that you should either trailer the boat with the motor fully down OR you should support it with something connected to the trailer to put the load on the trailer and not leveraged way the heck out on the transom. In either of these cases the transom still carries the weight of the engine, but not much cantilevered load.

In a pinch, the support bracket on your Merc will work fine since it is mostly a "safety" in case the PTT leaks down or fails.

Steve

 

[Hawkerplt]

Re: Newb Question regarding transom saver

Thanks for the assistance. I found a product on the iboats site that worked out perfectly. It is a Lock'n Stow by Swivil Ez. It locks into place between two foward facing low temp lock nuts and the manual tilt adjustment pin area.
The 90 Optimax isn't listed on the site but the P/N for the 135 works fine.
98% of our travel is interstate, I'm not overly concerned about the transom.

Thanks again...