|
|
Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | I just purchased a transom saver for my rig (Alumacraft Tourney 185, 200 E-Tec, Heritage Trailer. On the way to the lake, 45 miles +/-, I put the transom saver in place, lowered the motor on to it and used a tie down strap to prevent the steering wheel from turning so as to keep the motor straight and in the rubber "V" on the transom saver. Once I got to the ramp I discovered that the steering wheel was still locked in position by the straps but the motor had actaually slipped(turned all the way to the right). I didnt see any hydraulic fluids leeking nor did I feel any adverse effects on steering once on the water. Was it possible that something in the steering was damaged by locking the wheel down with such a large motor hanging up in the air? Just want to be sure. AND is it necessary that the motor remain stright while resting on the transom saver? Would another transom saver be better? Perhaps the ones the that look somewhat like crab claws (I dont know how else to describe them- two rubber bushings on each claw which pivot to pinch down once the motor is placed within the transom saver.
Karl |
|
| |
|
Posts: 5874
| Not sure what happened. I use the same transom saver, and my motor never turns, and I don't have to tie the wheel. 200 HP Merc Opti, but still has the same SeaStar Hydraulic steering as your ETec.
Maybe you have some air in the steering lines?
Edited by Shep 6/5/2008 11:13 AM
|
|
| |
|
Location: Athens, Ohio | I like to ride with my motor straight so I can see around it. It will also tend to drift to the side (Merc 225 EFI). I've ordered a Lock 'n Stow bracket to use instead of the transom bar, will let you know if that helped at all when I get it for Fathers Day. m |
|
| |
|
Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | Thanks guys. Looking to hear more about the lock-n-stow. Anyone else have transome svaer advise? I'd really like to get more opinions and other options. Are transom savers over rated???? One guy also told me just to use the brackt/rest that is part of the e-tec's mount. You raise the motor all the way then flip down a bracket then lower the motor until it is resting solely on the bracket and not the hyraulic pistons. Cant get a response from evinrude on this one.
Thanks
Karl |
|
| |
|
Posts: 185
Location: Mendota Heights, MN | I have always used a transom saver in the past but when I got the new boat with a 115 on it the dealer said don't bother. He recommended to tilt the motor up and slide a 2x4 block of wood in between the motor and the transom and then trim it down onto the block. Point being to raise the skeg up higher and not rest the motor on the tilt/trim pistons while traveling.
Was skeptical but the guy has been in the business a long time. Lund Dealer.
Steve
Edited by Phoenix 6/5/2008 8:38 PM
|
|
| |
|
Location: Athens, Ohio | That's kind the idea behind the lock n stow. I guess they only make them for Mercs. I'd be concerned the 2x4 might bounce out if not well-secured. m |
|
| |
|
Posts: 5874
| Don't ask the motor maker. Ask the boat maker. It is called a Transom saver, not a motor saver. Personally, if I had issues with mine staying put, I would go with the Lock and Stow, too. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | I did recieved an e-mail response from Alumacraft and a transom saver was advised. Though they stopped short of making a specific recommendation on brand or type when asked. I am curious though why is that issue not included in their owner's manual? It's not like this is a new concept/practice.
Shep, or anyone else, isnt the lock-n-stow deployed completely/exclusively on the transom of the boat. Is any of the motor related load/stress tranferred away from the transom? No sarcasm here I just could not find any pictures showing the device in use. If thats the case, is there any benefit beyond removing the load of the motor from the hydraulics? As I mentioned there is a bullilt in feature on my e-tec that i believe does that though it does not "lock" the motor in any one (lateral)position beacuse the motor will always turn to one side or the other but
it is off of the hydraulic pistons.
Karl
Edited by KARLOUTDOORS 6/6/2008 10:21 AM
|
|
| |
|
Location: Athens, Ohio | sorry for the long link:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?sto...
check out the photo of where the Lock n Stow is installed. I think the idea is to take the stress off the lift system rather than the transom. I've seen discussions that the 'transom saver' will transfer the bumping and twisting of the trailer to the lower end of the motor, wrenching it around on the transom. This device is supposed to eliminate that. m |
|
| |
|
Posts: 5874
| I agree that the lock and stow is to relieve the wieght of the motor from the trim and tilt system, and does nothing to help the transom. That is why I suggested asking the boat manufacturer. It's their transom, they should have a recommendation or not.
My boat came with a transom saver, and the motor simply does not turn one way or the other. I'll continue to use it. I really don't think these boats move around that much on the trailer. And I think the composite transoms are so strong these days, the saver really doesn't do much. I bet a good chop on Green bay puts more stress on a transom than a ride down the highway. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 185
Location: Mendota Heights, MN | With the weight of that 115 bearing down on it there is no way that 2x4 is going anywhere. I have already been on 3 road trips with it (one down a very long twisty bumpy gravel road and it hasn't budged.
As I said, this is what the guys at the dealership are using, but they said they would be happy to sell me something else.
The folks at Lund are not concerned about the motor weight on the transom. And thank goodness because if they where i would have thought I bought the wrong boat. Think about how much stress 30+ mph through heavy chop slams on the transom.
Steve
Edited by Phoenix 6/8/2008 5:54 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 232
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | I always use my transom saver, but had the same problem as you, the motor would drift to one side or the other. I now hold the steering wheel straight with a tight bungee that goes through the wheel and is secured on each end to the shelf under my console. |
|
| |
|
Location: Lakeville, MN | After a friend advised me of the lower unit damage he had experienced from trailering with a transom saver, I found m-y wedge and have be using this for a year now. Additionally, they make centering clips which secure the motor from turning right to left. http://m-ywedge.com/
New m-ywedge™ Motor Support Solves Outboard Motor Trailering Problems for Good!!! Transom Saver !
Manufactures Web Site Raveling OutdoorS! Order Direct!
Designed for 3 ram trim/tilt systems for Yamaha outboards 90HP to 350HP, Mercury outboards 135HP to 300 HP, Honda outboards 75HP to 250HP, Evinrude/Johnson outboards 88 special-250hp/Johnson four stroke outboards 60hp-250hp, with 3 ram trim/tilt systems, Suzuki four stroke outboards DF60-DF250HP, with 3 ram trim/tilt systems – and works on virtually any boat!
|
|
| |
