should I use a support for my outdrive on my H190?

[Jimwhall]

I have a new to me H190 SS with a 4.3 MPI and an Alpha One Outdrive.

I've been doing research on how to properly tow and load it as it's quite a bit larger than my old 16' Sylvan. One of the things that they mention is that you should use some sort of 'transome saver' device that supports the outdrive by using a rod between the outdrive and the back of the trailer? I've seen some people use this but many do not.

Should I be using it? The 112 SPL on the Sylvan had a little 'kick stand' for the engine but the weight was still on the transom and I haven't had issues with that in 26 years. But it's an aluminum boat. I have little experience with Fiberglass boats with stern drives.

 

[Lou C]

They make plastic clips that fit over the trim piston rods for this. If you can store the boat with the drive down because the driveshaft bellows will last longer that way.

 

[JimS123]

You don't see many using it because hardly anyone reads the owner's manual any more. Besides, people rarely keep their boats more than a few years, and then the next owner has to deal with the problems.

Support the outdrive well, and never keep it raised unless you are on the highway. The bellows will last you many years.

Also, lube the u-joint annually. "Nobody" does that either.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... The transom, drive, 'n trim will support the weight of the whole boat, when ya hammer it in the water,.....
The transom, 'n trim will easily support the 100 lbs. the drive weighs while on the trailer,.....

 

[Scott06]

Ayuh,..... The transom, drive, 'n trim will support the weight of the whole boat, when ya hammer it in the water,.....
The transom, 'n trim will easily support the 100 lbs. the drive weighs while on the trailer,.....

Agreed. Only time i used any support was when i had a hydraulic issue where drive wouldn’t stay up

 

[bruceb58]

I used to use the clips. I don't bother anymore. On my current boat, if I lost hydraulics, the sterndrive would still never hit the ground. If your drive would hit the ground if you lost a line or the ram failed, use it as an insurance.

 

[Scott Danforth]

load paths for an outboard and an I/O are different. so are how the tilt/trim works.

with your outboard, yes, a motor defloperizer is needed to keep the motor from beating itself while bouncing down the road. because the whole weight of the motor is flopping around on the tilt tube

with an I/O, at best, you have 100# flopping around and that is if you removed the rams.

i wouldnt worry about it.