I've recently bought an 02 Ranger 520vx. As you may know the design of the boat and trailer makes the transom saver very long compared to other setups.

I have seen the website and posts about the lock-n-haul and see the design is meant to wedge in the motor trim mechanism area where a standard transom saver mounts between the lower unit and the trailer roller.

I like the lock-n-haul but wouldn't it put more stress on the transom since a standard transom saver shares the motor weight with the transom and trailer, especially during tranaspot?

Anyone have any thoughts on this without making this into a not another transom saver thread?

Thanks,

Will

Actually the transom saver's job is to reduce "motor shake" not take weight off the transom. So if you use your old transom saver, i would get wedges for the steering cable too. Shake is what puts stress on the transom

The transoms are fine on new boats

Save the motor mounts!!

I'd recommend sending the good folks at Lock N Haul an email with your concerns.

I just cant imagine not havin a transom saver under any circumstance no matter what the boat builder says

Didn't even think about the shake factor. Thanks.

I always thought the reason for a transom saver was to keep the weight off the transom by using the trailer as a base. That's why I use the traditional style, lower unit to back roller. I also put the wedges on my steering slide bar. Just don't forget to take them off before you launch! I watched the Lock n Haul video and that makes sense too. Whatever makes you feel comfortable I guess.

There are pros and cons both ways regarding transom savers, on the one hand, it will stop "forward/downward" motion of the motor towards the trailer (reducing that torque on the transom), on the other hand, it will also transmit forces from the trailer back into the motor, torquing it upwards. Not sure which is the better option, but I use one anyhow...
I just recently replaced my transom saver because the prior one buckled in half (also a long-length one, last hole of the extension, which is where it buckled)... that told me enough that I'd rather the TS absorb that much torque than the actual motor mounts.
(Think it was the very bad dip right now on 423 southbound into the Colony, the first time I was in the right lane when it started slumping... YIKES! I think the trailer caught air! LOL)

PM sent....

http://www.outboardmotorjack.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH9PBDb9zhQ

http://www.outboardmotorjack.com/

Thanks Dwight. Nifty product. Their website stinks though.

Got a stupid question here....... What makes anyone think that the weight of the motor will stress a transom? Even if it is bouncing down the road at 70 mph? Think about it, the torque that your engine produces lifting that big ol fiberglass OR aluminum boat out of the water will never be reached by just the weight of the engine riding smoothly OR bouncing down the road. Never bought into all that jazz. Motor shake however does happen and a good lock n haul takes that out.

I understand your point but that's what the boat was designed for. The uncertainties of travel with that heavy motor hanging off the back is a different story in my opinion.

I think the transom savers that mount from motor to trailer are worse than not having any kind of saver, just lift the motor up and let it rest on the factory rest, if a transom needed saved it would happen on Lake Texoma in 30 mph winds running from the dam to the willis bridge, engines and transoms take a hell of a lot more abuse on the water than they do on the trailer.

Right. Not trying to be a smart aspirin but that's what I'm talkin about. If you turn around while you are running more than 40 mph in choppy waters and watch that motor for a second, you will see how stout the transoms in these boats are. Even the smaller boats. It blows my mind that they can take that abuse year after year. Motor shaking and road obstacles..... That's the main reason I don't just let it hang down...... Heh heh.......

Makes sense to me. You guys have to bear with me as I learn. lol

There are many opinions on this topic, go with whichever motor support you like, both styles will work