Transom savers or support clips?

[eroemer]

Should I be using a transom saver to support my outdrive during trailering? If so, can someone recommend a good brand/model?

I have also seen "support clips" that go on the hydraulics, are these better/worse than the transom savers? Do I need both?

I believe my outdrive is an "Alpha I"....engine is MerCruiser 302.

 

[eroemer]

Anybody with opinions on transom savers? I have heard they are important for Outboards, was wondering if they are important for sterndrives as well.....

Also, have heard to store the sterndrive down to prevent damage to the bellows...is this necessary?

Thanks!

 

[First Born]

Maybe one of our more knowledgeable members will chime in but I can tell you what we do.

I do keep my outdrive as low as I can get it towards the down postition when the trailer is sitting.

I do not use any kind of support clips or transom savers as the only time it is in the up position is when I am trailering and that is usually for short distances.

I am sure others will chime in soon on this and tell you if we are handling correctly or not.

Wesley

 

[Quint4]

I am going to get the clips as I noticed my outdrive drifted down a little on my 5 hr trip to Norris Lake last week(trailered). Glad it didn't drift all the way down and grind off my skeg and $600 prop.

 

[bobnlee2007]

Hi!
Could you post some pics of your stern drive setup?
I have a 1977 WE240SRV with the OMC Electric shift outdrive.
I'm curious as to how the Mercruiser Outdrive was installed. I was looking into
redoing my boat with a Mercruiser outdrive. Lotta work I know, I know!

 

[Just Right]

Clips can extend the life of the outdrive's hydraulics' seals and check valves, especially if you trailer a lot. If they are already weak, they'll save you skeg & prop repairs...

As for the bellows, I believe it is more important that you use rubber conditioners but storing in the down position should help, too.