Motor position when towing?

[SLP]

I have a 25 HP four stroke with power trim and I am a little confused as to the best position to trim the motor when towing.

I bought the boat last week from an out of state dealer and he recommended for a motor only 25 hp to trim up the motor all the way until those little supports locked into place. He told me that if you leave it vertical and hit the wrong incline the motor could hit the ground and be damaged, which make sense.

Now that I am home I have read in the Mercury manual and it recommends to trailer vertically unless more clearance is needed, and then specifically recommends not to rely on the power trim supports.

I searched online for some answers and have read where some people claim that keeping the motor trimmed up will damage the seal and hydraulics.

Today I called a local boat dealer and he recommends trimming only slightly, just enough to gain some extra clearance but not entirely.

I asked both the local dealer and the dealer I purchased it from about a transom saver, and the both pretty convincingly said not on a 25hp motor.

I am more confused then ever. I have waited for years to finally buy a boat and I want to take care of it. I know there are many veteran boaters on this site, and I was hoping to get some first hand knowledge of what others do, or have done.

Thanks

[Tyme2fish]

I would use the transom saver.

[Carter1]

I like the transom saver as well. I have seen (and I forget where) people using something like a block up near the pinch point on the motor. Kind of like a transom saver but more compact. You tilt the motor up, put the block in place and trim motor down until it stops. And I agree about not relying on the little motor locks.

[stripernut]

i cant understand why they wouldnt recommend a mechanical support for the motor (transom saver, motor toter etc etc.) keeps the motor secure and high enough to keep from hitting the lower unit on something when trailering.

thinking about it right now, i fish with different buddies that have boats that range from cumberland river boats with 40hp motors to 21 foot bullet with 250hp to striper boats with 200 hp motors, and including my boats there is a motor/transom support of one brand or another on every boat.

[SLP]

What is involved it I want to install a transom saver after the fact? Can I easily add it or must I unbolt the motor from the transom? I kind of hate to do that in case I would mess up the positioning or something.

[Tyme2fish]

What is involved it I want to install a transom saver after the fact? Can I easily add it or must I need to unbolt the motor from the transom? I kind of hate to do that in case I would mess up the positioning or something.

There is no "installation". One end connects to the trailer cross bar and the other end to your lower unit.

Here's a photo.


http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/S-...t+Bracket.html

[Tyme2fish]

I've got an extra transom saver from a boat I sold if you're interested.

[SLP]

I've got an extra transom saver from a boat I sold if you're interested.

Is it like the one in the link you posted?

[SLP]

There is no "installation". One end connects to the trailer cross bar and the other end to your lower unit.

Here's a photo.


http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/S-...t+Bracket.html

Thank you for that link, do you recommend that one to order? Are they pretty universal in size? Is it permanently mounted to the trailer, or do you just lock it in place before each trip?

Thanks again everyone, I agree with all of you I don't know why they would talk me out of one? It makes no sense.

[Tyme2fish]

The transom saver is constructed to be easily removed from trailer and engine upon each launch. The type you need will be dictated by your trailer cross bar position. I posted that link only to show you what a transom saver looked like. Your application may vary.

If you live close by I can show you the model that I have for sale. I'll make you a good deal on it. My model is very similar if not the same as the link I posted.

[SLP]

Thanks, let me try and look at my trailer and figure out exactly what I need. If it can work, I will PM you about it.

[SLP]

Thank you, to all of you for your advice. You all have been very helpful and I really appreciate it. It definitely sounds like a support is the way to go. Now I need to just figure out which type I need.