Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

[JimboJ]

I just bought a new 6hp Tohatsu for my 13' infllatable that is carried on a flatbed. I'm wondering how secure are the outboard's C clamps to trailer with it on the transom? Seems like they could work loose. Would hate to see my motor bouncing off on the highway. There is 1 hole for about a 3/8 bolt next to the C clamp, not sure what it's for but mabe that's for backup in case the clamps do come loose?? Or maybe I would be better off carrying it upright in the back of my truck.
Thanks

 

[riptide09]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

My old Evinrude uses C clamps to attach to my jon boat. I would never tow with the engine attached with only the clamps. I would not trust them.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

Years ago I had a Zodiac with a 50 HP motor that I kept on the transom (of the inflated boat). Never any problem with trailering. However, it did have screw clamps and holes for thru-bolting to the transom.

 

[64osby]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

Not sure about yours, but my old motors have holes in the handles of the C clamps. Many will put a lock through them to keep the bolts from backing out, also can stop amateur thieves.

If your worried about it when on the trailer, you might want to think about when your on the water also.

Other's use a chain and separate c clamp mounted to the motor and transom as a safety device.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

trailered an 18 a lot with just the clamps no problem. Don't know anyone who worries about them--but I'd check them routinely. Of course, every non-bolted OB has a safety rope tied from the motor to the boat SOP.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

I have seen some large zip ties used to stop the clamps from backing off.

 

[RcknJD]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

You can turn the clamps so their across from one another and drill a hole in each clamp and put a brass welding rod thru them and twist it on the bottom side . Also you could use safety wire like is used on aircraft and dragsters.

 

[JimboJ]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

Thanks all got some good ideas what to do.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

Some time ago on this forum,there was a post by someone who trailered a boat with new motor 10 or maybe 15 hp 300or 400 miles,and found his motor was gone when he got home. I bet he'll never trust the clamps again!

 

[Davem3]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

Some time ago on this forum,there was a post by someone who trailered a boat with new motor 10 or maybe 15 hp 300or 400 miles,and found his motor was gone when he got home. I bet he'll never trust the clamps again!

i use a chain and 2 locks, motor stays put very well....................

 

[Pony]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

I have always used one of these, and never had an issue. With the 25hp that I have now, it is also bolted through.....BUT previous to that I have never trailered a small motor that wasn't just clamped with one of these locks. Since it slides over the clamp handles they cannot back off. The other benefit that this has that just pad locking the clamp handles together doesn't is that the handles themselves wont break around the hole.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Outboard C clamps secure for trailering?

+1 on the motor lock. It keeps the handles from loosening and also makes the simple thief look at an unlocked motor first. Like anything, these can be cut but are better than nothing at all.