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Posts: 10
| I would like to gain some insight on how important you feel this piece of gear actually is. I trailered my rig (618VS/115 Opti) last year without one. The motor maintains its position (no flopping back and forth) but I may be overlooking possible future problems. What do you think? |
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Location: Des Moines IA | My Suzuki owner's manual actually says use of a transom saver is "Required". What exactly that means is open to interpretation, but I would say it's definitely better to have one than not. |
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Posts: 20260
Location: oswego, il | No it won't flop around but every time you hit a bump think about the weight of that motor working on your transom, it's mount and your tilt and trim. Securing the lower unit keeps those forces to a minimum. |
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Posts: 717
Location: Grand Rapids, MI | How important? I would say it is an absolute necessity! As Todd said, there is an imense amount of pressure to the transom with that heavy thing hanging out the back. For $110 to save your transom from cracking, it's a risk I for one would not want to take. BTW - My parents boat they had before they got their new one actually did have the problems relating to not having a transom saver. They spent a few pretty pennies trying to get it fixed. But, once the structure is cracked, there is no repairing it with just glass. |
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Posts: 208
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | I believe that my transom saver saved my transome and possibly the tilt and teim when my boat was in a minpr rear end collision. Actually bent the transome saver alittle. Cheap insurance |
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Posts: 433
Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin | I used to use one all the time, from my first motor on, but I have changed my mind. From reading posts from other E-TEC owners I found out the bracket on that engine is more than sturdy enough to support the motor while trailering. Also, there is a possibitlity of damaging the gearcase where the saver contacts it, possibly causing stress cracks to the point where the lower unit lube can start to seep out. Older boats generally had much weaker transoms than the newer ones, just from the materials they were made from, so years ago it made sense, but not so much now.
I like the fact the saver keeps the motor from swinging sideways but I've already got marks on the gearcase where the paint is worn. So from now on, I'll just bungee cord the steering wheel and use the built in bracket. |
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| A good friend of mine did experience transom damage from not using a transom saver. He bought the boat new and during his third season trailoring almost every weekend he had problems. Once you crack a transom it has to go back to the manufacturer. He was without his boat for about a month in the middle of summer. I don't see any benefit in not using one, but a lot of risk without one. One of those things where I say my rig is worth a lot of money...only makes sense in my opinion. |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hi Everyone,
No doubt this topic has lots of varied opinions and there are arguments that go both ways on this.
To that I pose a question... have you ever taken a paper clip, bent it open, then sat there and bent it back and forth until it breaks?
Reason I ask that question is this: When you raise your motor up, you essentially change it's center of gravity and in many cases it stays pretty close to being over the transom...that is a good thing when the boat is not moving. The stress on the transom is really no more than when it is in a down position.
But...now take that boat and put in on a trailer moving down a road that creates vibration and you start adding stress to many parts....most notably the transom of the boat!!! What you cannot see from the driver's point of view is how much that motor will bounce as you go down the road. Even on a smooth, recently paved surface there are variances in the road grade, which is only amplified by a trailer that does not have shock absorbers. Now...if the transom of the motor is not supported but in a somewhat upright or fully upright position (which is where it would be if you use the lever on the motor to take the stress off the hydraulics but does not prevent the motor from going up higher) all that weight of the lower unit is now back further from the transom....essentially making one huge "lever" that can easily be pushed up and down. Then...as you go down the road, all that weight will bounce as well, which although it may not affect the bracket on the motor, it has a HUGE impact on your boat transom...that boat transom will give way (in other words..it will flex even if you cannot detect it by vision). Over time, that puts a substantial amount of stress on the the main supports of the transom, which with the large motors of today can still have a major effect even on the beefiest of transoms.
What the transom saver does is take all that potential vibration/flexing and transfers that energy to the trailer. It makes it so the motor cannot flex....it all stays together and bounces in one fluid motion.
The loss of paint on the motor I would say could be due to where you place the saver, but a little paint loss I would wager is much better than somehow damaging your transom and much cheaper to have a little paint applied than rebuilding a transom..if it is even possible...
If your motor turns to one side, there is a little plastic piece you can get at cabelas that goes over the main connecting rod which would prevent the motor from turning sideways....
Again, my opinion here...I just don't want to take the chance of having something that could be potentially catastrophic happen if I can prevent it... That's just me, though...
Steve
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| I wouldnt even think about trailering my boat without a transom saver on. If you have a smaller motor like say under 75 I could see it possibly not being a problem, but no way on the larger motors.
I trailered mine a couple times without it, using the built in brackets and it bent the hell out of them. That is when I read the manual and it said under no circumstances trailer using those brackets, you must use a transom saver. |
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| I have a buddy that bought a new 620 with a 250 ETEC and was told he doesn't need a transom saver.
Like the guy said above with the ETECs, the built in bracket is just fine.
Midge |
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Posts: 139
Location: Aurora IL | I sell Etecs and own one, also use a transom saver. nuff said. |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | But that built in bracket is designed for the motor...NOT the boat!!!
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Posts: 5874
| It's called a transom saver, not a motor transom mounting bracket saver.
I use mine religiously. Never had an issue with a transom, or the motor mounting bracket. I think I'll keep using mine, as long as I have a boat.
Edited by Shep 6/3/2011 2:19 PM
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Posts: 148
Location: Northwest Wi. | I also use a T/S on a 140HP and would not go down the road without one. I went the extra step and got one that is Spring Loaded. It seems to take some of the shock of a really bad road. Only had it two seasons ,So far so good. |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | The problem is not the ability of the transom to support the motor, it has to be able to do that with the motor both down and up. The real problem is that with the motor up, the entire lower unit acts like a large weighted lever and creates torque on the transom bracket (twisting force) from pot holes, railroad tracks, etc. large road shock's create a huge torque force, eventually over time something gives..... the transom. They don't call them "motor saver's".
Get one, its cheap insurance.
Have fun!
Al |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Wouldn't leave home without it ... though there are various contraptions out there that can support your motor in different ways. The operative word is SUPPORT.
Last time I was shopping for a used boat ... I must have seen a dozen great rigs that had stress cracks in the fiberglass in various places surrounding the motor mount. As far as I was concerned ... these cracks were the result of hauling the boat without proper motor support. |
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Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL | Use one all the time, as stated above, cheap insurance.
I also glued 2 pieces of felt commercial carpet padding to the pads that support the lower unit....they keep the metal or plastic from scratching the white paint on my old Johnson.  works really well if you are worried about it. |
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Posts: 247
Location: Uxbridge Ontario | I have always use a transom saver. Not just for the transom, but for the steering linkages and hydraulic unit as well. Nothing more awekward looking than following a boat without a transom saver on and watching the engine slam back and forth from not being supported. It is a lot of weight to have bouncing around back there. |
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| ESOX Maniac - 6/4/2011 7:37 AM
The problem is not the ability of the transom to support the motor, it has to be able to do that with the motor both down and up. The real problem is that with the motor up, the entire lower unit acts like a large weighted lever and creates torque on the transom bracket (twisting force) from pot holes, railroad tracks, etc. large road shock's create a huge torque force, eventually over time something gives..... the transom. They don't call them "motor saver's".
Get one, its cheap insurance.
Have fun!
Al
like say the torque of the engine on the transom getting out of the hole or going WOT? or the torgue generated from trailer tires going over railroad tracks, potholse, etc., and to the trailer frame, to the transom saver, to the motor and than the transom? I use one all the time but wonder if they are worth it. tempted to get one of those mywedge's as they seem much easier. always seem to lose the bunjee, the pin to hold the saver in etc. |
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| CPT RJT - 6/7/2011 6:46 PM
ESOX Maniac - 6/4/2011 7:37 AM
The problem is not the ability of the transom to support the motor, it has to be able to do that with the motor both down and up. The real problem is that with the motor up, the entire lower unit acts like a large weighted lever and creates torque on the transom bracket (twisting force) from pot holes, railroad tracks, etc. large road shock's create a huge torque force, eventually over time something gives..... the transom. They don't call them "motor saver's".
Get one, its cheap insurance.
Have fun!
Al
like say the torque of the engine on the transom getting out of the hole or going WOT? or the torgue generated from trailer tires going over railroad tracks, potholse, etc., and to the trailer frame, to the transom saver, to the motor and than the transom? I use one all the time but wonder if they are worth it. tempted to get one of those mywedge's as they seem much easier. always seem to lose the bunjee, the pin to hold the saver in etc. |
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Posts: 272
| Uh, so....what's the down side to using a transom saver?
The ONE person that has ever attempted to answer that question that I've seen online, installed it improperly and it fell out of the trailer end of the deal and dug into the road, causing damage to the lower unit.
So, other than damage caused by operator error in "installing" a transom saver.....what's the downside of using one?
I dunno. I've seen this topic discussed several times and I just can't understand why the conversation continues to grow legs.
-Eric |
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Posts: 793
Location: Ames, Iowa | Our Evinrude mechanic said if we're just towing the boat between the cabin and the access, no need for a Tsaver. But says he wouldn't trailer the boat regularly without one. It's a 2002 50Hp 4 stroke Evinrude. It's a no brainer. I have one on my Sylvan for a 2001 4 stroke 40 Hp Merc. Buy one before it's too late. |
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Posts: 247
Location: Uxbridge Ontario | captain - 6/7/2011 9:54 AM
personally I don't see the benefit of the mywedge at all. Just lower the motor on a rolled up towel or something. I just can't believe anyone wouldn't use a transom saver on a boat considering the cost of these things.
The cost of these things?
Mine was $80. Money well spent IMO.
Much cheaper than a transom or hydraulic system repair.
In any case, you see more people with then than without. If you are talking a small tiller motor, than when ever. Put it in shallow drive and forget about it. If you are talking a 300lb+ motor or larger. Your are just asking for trouble down the road if you just use as "rolled up towel or something". |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | muskie-addict - 6/7/2011 9:01 PM
Uh, so....what's the down side to using a transom saver?
The ONE person that has ever attempted to answer that question that I've seen online, installed it improperly and it fell out of the trailer end of the deal and dug into the road, causing damage to the lower unit.
So, other than damage caused by operator error in "installing" a transom saver.....what's the downside of using one?
I dunno. I've seen this topic discussed several times and I just can't understand why the conversation continues to grow legs.
-Eric
Hey E-A, It grows legs because you just can't fix stupid!
Maybe this will help some to more clearly grasp why they may want to get a transom saver, maybe not?
The two red dots are the typical motor contact or connection points. When the motor is tilted up it's resting on the tilt/trim assembly or the traveling lock (smaller motor's)- purple arrow. Torque is simply rotational force, and there can be torque in virtually any axis. The red arrow torque axis is the one of interest. However, I only drew in the three major axis's. The yellow rectangle represents the motor mounting bracket/jack-plate, etc.
Hole shot's, engine torque, prop torque are much smaller forces in comparison to our lower unit lever. Why, because they don't act instantaneously, the torque is spread out over time. When in water the boat moves in response to any torque force applied in any axis. F.ex. When your mass challenged fishing partner steps over to the right rear edge of the rear deck, you know it even if you aren't looking at him/her. The boat can't move independently when its on the tailer, it moves with the trailer. That's also why it follows you down the road to the next lake, river or even home.
Installing the transom saver removes the torque on the engine bracket and thus the transom. Yes, the motor still bounces up & down, so does the boat & trailer. But, they all move together.
Have fun!
Al
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 Transom Saver.gif (73KB - 801 downloads)
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Posts: 437
| HomeTime - 6/8/2011 6:56 AM
captain - 6/7/2011 9:54 AM
personally I don't see the benefit of the mywedge at all. Just lower the motor on a rolled up towel or something. I just can't believe anyone wouldn't use a transom saver on a boat considering the cost of these things.
The cost of these things?
Mine was $80. Money well spent IMO.
Much cheaper than a transom or hydraulic system repair.
In any case, you see more people with then than without. If you are talking a small tiller motor, than when ever. Put it in shallow drive and forget about it. If you are talking a 300lb+ motor or larger. Your are just asking for trouble down the road if you just use as "rolled up towel or something".
I think you misunderstood my post. I was questioning the effectiveness of the product called MyWedge. It is a shock absorber type thing that you lower your motor on, but does not support the transom in any way. I really dont see this being that beneficial.
I do use a transom saver and would never consider trailering without it. I dont care if they cost $300 my motor is getting trailered with one.
My transom saver was free because I found it in the bottom of the lake at the end of a boat ramp several years ago. Someone must have forgotten to unhook from trailer and off she went. |
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Posts: 247
Location: Uxbridge Ontario | Captain - 6/8/2011 10:29 PM
HomeTime - 6/8/2011 6:56 AM
captain - 6/7/2011 9:54 AM
personally I don't see the benefit of the mywedge at all. Just lower the motor on a rolled up towel or something. I just can't believe anyone wouldn't use a transom saver on a boat considering the cost of these things.
The cost of these things?
Mine was $80. Money well spent IMO.
Much cheaper than a transom or hydraulic system repair.
In any case, you see more people with then than without. If you are talking a small tiller motor, than when ever. Put it in shallow drive and forget about it. If you are talking a 300lb+ motor or larger. Your are just asking for trouble down the road if you just use as "rolled up towel or something".
I think you misunderstood my post. I was questioning the effectiveness of the product called MyWedge. It is a shock absorber type thing that you lower your motor on, but does not support the transom in any way. I really dont see this being that beneficial.
I do use a transom saver and would never consider trailering without it. I dont care if they cost $300 my motor is getting trailered with one.
My transom saver was free because I found it in the bottom of the lake at the end of a boat ramp several years ago. Someone must have forgotten to unhook from trailer and off she went.
Yep, I miss read. |
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| I had read this thread earlier and then this weekend observed a number of large boat/ motor combinations in town for the Mercury Walleye Tournament on Winnebago. I saw two 620 Rangers with big E-tecs and no transom savers. Saw several other large boats with 200+ hp motors and that seemed to be a mix, some with, some without. The big Rangers really stuck out because of the discussion on this thread. |
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Posts: 437
| North of 8 - 6/13/2011 8:22 PM
I had read this thread earlier and then this weekend observed a number of large boat/ motor combinations in town for the Mercury Walleye Tournament on Winnebago. I saw two 620 Rangers with big E-tecs and no transom savers. Saw several other large boats with 200+ hp motors and that seemed to be a mix, some with, some without. The big Rangers really stuck out because of the discussion on this thread.
Interesting observation no doubt, but I wonder how many of those tourney guys keep their boats very long. Since I have to pay for all of my stuff and need to keep it for many years there is no way I would go without one.
I just wish I would remember to put the dang plug back in before launching the boat. 3 times already I have forgotten. Never forgot once all last year. |
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| Hey captain, do what a buddy of mine did. His father in law goes to his cottage and uses his fishing boat, which is kept on a lift with the plug pulled. He keeps the key in the cottage, with a laminated note on the key chain that says in large print REPLACE PLUG. So far so good.
Edited by North of 8 6/14/2011 8:01 PM
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Posts: 116
| I always use mine. I'm not sure how important it is, but I would sure hate to find out. |
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Posts: 462
Location: Syracuse, Indiana | Just bought a (new to me) 620. FYI - The various owner's manuals say:
Evinrude (225 Etec) - use the built in trailering bracket
Johnson (9.9) - always use a transom saver
Ranger - always use a transom saver
The dealer told me always use a transom saver. I think I will! |
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Posts: 797
Location: North Central IL USA | Last time I was on interstate 90 up in WI on a Saturday (lots of boats on the road in the summer time) I made it point to observe the outboards I came up on. Looking at then from both behind and next to, the outboards without a transom saver would bounce around both up and down and side to side with every little bump in the highway.
I don't know, maybe the sort term detrimental effects on both the transom and engine are minimal but to me it's unnecessary wear and tear. I suppose it doesn't matter for people that get new boats every few years.
The outboards with transom savers were steady as can be. |
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Posts: 514
Location: Ludington, MI | No transom saver on my 1995 Lund/Yamaha 4 stroke. Trim it up, flip the clip, tow away. No problems yet. |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | key word... "yet"
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Posts: 514
Location: Ludington, MI | Actually, the key was 1995. This is a trailered 18-foot boat, a former walleye tournament boat. It was hauled 100 times a year until I bought it, now it's hauled 50-60 times a year. I'll break a lot of things before I break the transom on it.
They're not as important as a drain plug. |
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Posts: 437
| A drain plug will not do you any good when the transom breaks. I didnt know Yamaha made 4 strokes in 1995.
Edited by Captain 8/19/2011 9:52 AM
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Posts: 1460
Location: Kronenwetter, WI |
OK, so I'm not one to take anyone's word for anything..SO...I emailed the techs at RangerBoats.com and here is their reply:
Thank you for your email. We recommend a transom saver and have included
an article from our blog at Rangeboats.com that you may find useful.
Transom Savers
Friday, January 07, 2011
If you've ever followed someone pulling a boat rigged with an outboard
engine, chances are you've noticed that even the best highways can doll
out their share of punishment. Road cracks, potholes, and a host of
miscellaneous debris can translate into a lot of unwelcome jostling. As
you can imagine, each time the outboard gets tossed around, stress is
added to the transom area of the boat, the trailer, and even the engine
itself.
So, what can be done to help alleviate the added stress that this type
of unnatural jarring causes? We recommend that you consider the added
support of a 'transom saver.' These units (especially when used in
conjunction with boat buckles) help support the engine, reducing stress
levels and ultimately saving unnecessary wear and tear on the boat,
motor, and trailer.
Gary Howard
Ranger Engineering
Use one.
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