HELP! -Trailering Outboard Motor Installed On Boat ? Motor Support Bar?

8867 Views 12 Replies 5 Participants Last post by EricCO, Jul 13, 2005

Zman

Discussion Starter · Jul 11, 2005

I just purchased a used 4 stroke long shaft Honda 15 hp for my 14 foot Lund Rebel. When I trailer the boat, the bottom of the motor (sked?) is only about 4 inches from the road (ground). I am worried that when pulling it over uneven highway it will contact the road and damage it. The following is an excerpt from the owners manual I downloaded from Honda Marine for my motor:

When trailering a boat with the outboard motor attached, leave the engine in the normal running position, if possible, and tighten the steering friction lever securely.

If there is insufficient road clearance in the normal running position, then tilt the outboard motor and use a motor support bar, or remove the outboard motor from the boat. Refer to the manufacturers instructions for using a motor support bar.

Has any heard of a motor support bar? I think I have seen them on some motors that have electric tilt. Sorry have only used electric on my boat?I am a total rookie when it comes to this...

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NeWcS

· #2 · Jul 11, 2005

Do a search on cabelas or bass pro for: transom saver

I think they also sell them at Gander and Sportsman

-Jay

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· #3 · Jul 12, 2005

zman said:
I just purchased a used 4 stroke long shaft Honda 15 hp for my 14 foot Lund Rebel. When I trailer the boat, the bottom of the motor (sked?) is only about 4 inches from the road (ground). I am worried that when pulling it over uneven highway it will contact the road and damage it. The following is an excerpt from the owners manual I downloaded from Honda Marine for my motor:

When trailering a boat with the outboard motor attached, leave the engine in the normal running position, if possible, and tighten the steering friction lever securely.

If there is insufficient road clearance in the normal running position, then tilt the outboard motor and use a motor support bar, or remove the outboard motor from the boat. Refer to the manufacturers instructions for using a motor support bar.

Has any heard of a motor support bar? I think I have seen them on some motors that have electric tilt. Sorry have only used electric on my boat?I am a total rookie when it comes to this...

Maybe this link will work.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat21276

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tal0362

· #4 · Jul 12, 2005

Zman,

I think your right, my big Yamaha has a flip lever support for the motor, however my 15 hp four stroke does not (Just went out to look - you were right). I think the idea is to take the load off the trim hydraulics with a mechanical support. But my 15 Yamaha has about 6 places that will support the motor holding the motor in just about any postion I want. Take a look at the back side of the mounting plate, I bet there are notches for the support bar to rest in.

Terre

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· #5 · Jul 12, 2005

Here's a thread from another site on the purpose and the pros and cons of transom savers:

http://www.walleyecentral.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=6&topic_id=185488&mode=full

If the motor manufacturer recommends it, I'd probably install one.

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· #6 · Jul 12, 2005

You can get what they call a transom saver at Sportsmans warehouse. If I remember correctly the one I got was around 20 bucks. If nothing else the product will give you a little piece of mind when towing your boat.

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· #7 · Jul 12, 2005

I use transom savers on both the main (150 Evenrude) and the kicker (6 Evenrude). Both motors are up high enough to not catch any dips in the road and are supported.

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slayerfish

· #8 · Jul 12, 2005

In my mind,an unsupported outboard puts a lot of stress on the transom. A transom saver is cheap insurance.

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McFish

· #9 · Jul 12, 2005

I asume that your motor does not trim and tilt. If that is the case you must have the bottom of the transom saver attached securely to the trailer so that it does not bounce around. I learned the hard way. I use a Fulton cushion model on my boat and it works great. Here is a link. I am sure you an find it cheaper some where else.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg... saver&session_id=954742104&cart_id=992633054

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McFish

· #10 · Jul 12, 2005

Here is another bolt on model from Cabelas. Swivl-eze

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...er&noImage=0&returnPage=search-results1.jhtml

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Zman

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 12, 2005

Thanks guys and gals...

Nope it doesnt have trim and tilt...

The other bad part is it a shorelander trailer with bunks...it is 23 inches to under the boat to where the trailer is...but I think I found one that will work at Gander Mountain...going to try and put it on tonight...I might even get this think in the water in July!

But thanks again...

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Zman

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 13, 2005

Well the one I bought works perfectly for my recessed Shorlander trailer...I didnt even have to drill any holes or cut any thing...stunned I was...it sure seems to take the weight off of the transom...so tonight...Gilligan and I will head out for a "3 hour cruise"...thanks again for all of your replies...

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· #13 · Jul 13, 2005

zman said:
Well the one I bought works perfectly for my recessed Shorlander trailer...I didnt even have to drill any holes or cut any thing...stunned I was...it sure seems to take the weight off of the transom...so tonight...Gilligan and I will head out for a "3 hour cruise"...thanks again for all of your replies...

You gotta love it when something works the way it should.

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