use of a transom saver?

[05GlastronSX]

i just picked up a 2005 glastron sx 170 with a mercury 150 on it and was wondering if it would be a good idea to get a transom saver. I will most likly be bringing the boat home every weekend from our lake home which is about a 250 mile trip each way. Ive also been reading a lot about transom savers and it seems like they can cause some serious damage if not set up properly, but if properly set up it will stop your engine from bouncing and will take most of the strain and shock off of the transom which is exactly what i want to do. so my questions are: should i get a trasom saver and what do i have to do in order to properly set up the transom saver to the engine and trailer so that it doesnt cause damage. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: use of a transom saver?

Yes, I would use a transom saver. You just need to make sure that your boat is secured tightly to your trailer so the stern doesn't move any while you're driving. On my boat I lock the steering too so the motor doesn't want to shift to one side or the other. Follow the directions on the saver you buy when installing it and you will be fine. Your saver should come with a strap or bungee cord to secure the motor to the saver as well to keep it from bouncing and to relieve any pressure on the hydraulics. Good luck.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: use of a transom saver?

thanks for the quick post drowned rat.. so basically, as long as the boat is properly secured to the trailer, the transom saver wont cause any damage? one more question...how can i lock the steering on my boat?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: use of a transom saver?

As long as the boat is secured to the trailer well, you'll be good. To lock the steering, I simply run a strap through the steering wheel and around a stanchion next to it. Simple, but it works. Some people say that the boat and trailer still move enough independently to cause L/U damage, but I don't think it's an issue. Especially with a smaller boat like a 17 footer. A 150hp motor is a lot of weight hanging on the transom and I would cringe everytime I hit a pothole if I didn't have a saver on there. It's really a good idea in my opinion.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: use of a transom saver?

thanks...ill give that a try, and i think im going to order a transom saver as well. i was also thinking that seeing that the engine alone weights about 450 pounds and our roads around here aren't good enough to make me think that the engine wont bounce. thanks for the info drowned rat.

 

[roscoe]

Re: use of a transom saver?

Definitely get a transom saver.<br />Its not just the bumps in the road, but the harmonic effects of the motion of the trailer. The force exerted on your tilt and trim unit can be huge. The transom saver will help there too.<br /><br />Yes the boat, and trailer frame need to be securely fastened together, and you should get the transom saver.<br /><br />Never seen a motor damaged by a transom saver unless the boat was allowed to slide around on the trailer.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: use of a transom saver?

Don't go anywhere without one...

 

[bossee]

Re: use of a transom saver?

Hi,<br />I use M-ywedge.<br /> http://m-ywedge.com <br /><br />Some say two could be better.<br /><br />/Bo

 

[BillP]

Re: use of a transom saver?

I don't see any reason not to use one if it is done properly but don't freak out if you trailer without one. Use one if it makes you feel better.<br /><br />I've trailered different boats 1000s of miles without transom savers and never had a problem. If it was as big of a problem as hyped up to be most (millions) of the trailer boats out there would have busted motors or transoms...and they don't. IMHO it is more hype than real.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: use of a transom saver?

I think im going to get one since it seems like it helps and just for the ease of mind too. they are not expensive at all and plus, I dont want to damage the boat, trailer, or engine after spending a pretty penny on a new boat. should i buy a my-wedge and a transom saver to save both the hydrolics and transom?

 

[bossee]

Re: use of a transom saver?

Hi,<br />One (or two, if You prefer to be on the _very_ safe side) M-ywedge will work just fine.<br /><br />You do not need both M-ywedge AND also a traditional transom saver.<br /><br />Use what You think is comfortable for You.<br />For me one M-ywedge is enough (I have a Yamaha F115 4-stroke).<br />I'm on my second season with M-ywedge and so far no problem at all.<br /><br />Do not forget to have a spare wheel/tyre and jack in the car while You use the trailer. You do not want to get a flat tyre on the trailer on the road and not be able to change to a spare wheel/tyre.<br /><br />Here is a picture of my boat and trailer:<br /><br />

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: use of a transom saver?

bo...thanks for the advice..i think im just going to go with the transom saver and see how it works out. yea, i do have a spare tire and wheel that already came on the trailer. thanks again

 

[roscoe]

Re: use of a transom saver?

Classy looking boat, Bo.<br />The bow line is already attached and ready for launching.<br />Lets go boating. !!