Transom/Trim Issues from Trailering

[Andya]

Has anyone ever had issues with transom or trim/tilt that they can attest were related to trailering? I've never had these transom savers/ect. and my family has been boating with trailered outboards for 30 years.

[HOTSPOT]

I use the M-Y Wedge on my Yamaha F200. My manual says NOT to trailer with the engine up in the lock position. This is the best product I have found and many other use it as well.

http://www.m-ywedge.com/

[Aquaman]

That's a coll gadget. I have been using an ol 2x4for years...I may want to upgrade!

[saltwatersalt]

i cut a pair of 2 inch pvc pipe in 8 inch sections. put em on the pistons and lower the motor, good as gold.

[Frank007]

A 2x4 is the best way to go. Just make sure your boat sets high enough on the trailer so there is no scraping.

[Rich]

Has anyone ever had issues with transom or trim/tilt that they can attest were related to trailering? I've never had these transom savers/ect. and my family has been boating with trailered outboards for 30 years.

I got away with not doing anything about it for years too. That said, it only takes one small seal failure for disaster to strike in a big expensive way. Whether you go with an off the shelf transom saver or a 2x4, it's cheap insurance.

[Andya]

I agree that it should not use that little metal flip down bracket. I just see the 2x4 as the same result from a trim tilt perspective.

[Spelunker]

I agree that it should not use that little metal flip down bracket. I just see the 2x4 as the same result from a trim tilt perspective.

2x4 is the way to go

[Flot]

In my experience, when a motor is tilted all the way up, it is surprisingly well balanced. I've helped replace a couple of trim pumps, and even on a ~400 lb motor, you can hold the engine in the up position without too much effort. There is just not that much stress on the hydraulics.

If you had a really unusual situation - like trailering over a long bumpy dirt road, etc - I am sure they would help. But I can't imagine it being a real problem for most people in normal paved road conditions.

[OldMercsRule]

In my experience, when a motor is tilted all the way up, it is surprisingly well balanced. I've helped replace a couple of trim pumps, and even on a ~400 lb motor, you can hold the engine in the up position without too much effort. There is just not that much stress on the hydraulics.

If you had a really unusual situation - like trailering over a long bumpy dirt road, etc - I am sure they would help. But I can't imagine it being a real problem for most people in normal paved road conditions.

Some sort of transom saver is a must, or yer jus' askin' fer eventual expensive repairs.

Especially if you tow a lot (even over paved roads).

It is simple geometry, and even though ya think there is no problem you are really stressing out the tranny with 400-500 lbs swingin' around, (much more on twin engines).

I have a 12" off tranny jack plate, which really increases stress on a very light 270lb single 150 HP OB, (n' a 25 HP kicker which adds another 100 lb + or -). I have made the transom very strong but wouldn't think of a tow without a brace to hold the weight from werkin' the old beast back and forth.

Me overpriced $.02. JR