towing

[derek4343]

hello all. does anyone use a transom saver while trailering their boat? and which is the best way to trim the motor while trailering w/wo saver? thanks:huh:

 

[Night swimmer]

I've never used a transom saver especially with an I/O. My theory is if the transom can't handle the motor weight on the trailer it's definitely not gonna hold it at wide open throttle. I'd say don't waste your money.

Unless you have plenty of clearance with the down than trim it all the way up. With an I/O definitely just put it up for trailering.

 

[MonacoMike]

I have never used one, I travel with my trim in trailer mode until I launch.

MM

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yes, there are many, many people that use them - including myself. Now, I wouldn't call it a "transom saver", but what I'm referring to are sometimes called "trailering clips". They clip onto the extended hydraulic rams (always trailer with the drive all the way up unless there's a huge amount of clearance, but that would be pretty rare with the typical trailers used with these boats). The idea is not about the transom (Night's theory), but more about saving the expensive lower unit should it leak down. Being aluminum, you would never know that it has dropped down to the pavement until you got to your destination and walked back there and wondered where your drive went.

 

[bbwhitejr]

I trailer with the trim in trailer mode as well. Owned a few bass boats with big outboards and always used a transom saver. To me the difference is on an outboard, the motor is mounted on the very top of the transom where the I/O is mounted down lower and more centered. Lot of stress on the upper part of the transom with an outboard.

Just saw Lazy Daze's post about the trailering clips and then checked them out on Overton's site. After putting them on, do you let the drive down a little so it rests on the clips and takes some strain off of the cylinders, etc. or do you still leave the drive all of the way up? These are neat and gotta' have some.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yes, lower the drive and snug it onto the clips. Just don't forget to remove them when you get to the ramp - you'll be wondering why the drive isn't going down! Ask me how I know! They usually come as a "one size fits all" length. You'll cut them to length for your drive - the package (at least the Merc brand) even tells you the length.

Oh... be sure to cut from the square end, not the notched end. And, this is even an easier process if you have the remote trim/tilt switch mounted on the transom. If not, this switch is very easy install.

 

[Westie]

I use the same clips as Dennis. Mine are tight enough that I don't bother about lowering the drive down on them.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Good info. Already ordered.

Thanks,

 

[Gofirstclass]

I just ordered, received and installed a transom saver. It mounts to the rear cross member on the trailer and has a long arm that supports the lower unit. I don't use it for local towing but do when we go out of town with the Whaler. It seems solid as all get out.