How to tow a 9.9 Johnson

[michaelmason6807]

Hello! I’m new to boating and just recently bought a 14ft aluminum vhull w/. 95 9.9hp Johnson. My question is what is the right way to trailer this?? I have plenty of clearance to tow with it down but am I supposed to tow it with in on the run lever or the tilt lever? I have been towing it on the tilt lock but the last hole so it’s still vertical and use a strap on the lower unit to stop twisting and turning. I don’t tow far maybe 45 min each way but I do hit some bad roads that make the boat bounce alil. Also do I need a transom saver? My trailer sits far under the boat and would probably need a transom saver with an angle. Thanks for the help

 

[silverbul]

I pretty much have the same setup and a transom saver is the way to go. jmo

 

[silverbul]

btw, you can get the bracket that goes on the trailer that allowes the transom saver to move up or down.

 

[michaelmason6807]

I pretty much have the same setup and a transom saver is the way to go. jmo

When you run the saver do you have to put the tilt lock on and set it on angle or do you run it down with the saver? Thanks

 

[silverbul]

I just put all the motor weight on the transom saver as not to stress the transom at all. you will know more about your application than me. jmo

 

[topgun3690]

I have plenty of clearance to tow with it down

Don't need a transom saver if you have plenty of clearance to tow with it down. If you have to tow with the engine tilted up (for clearance) then use a TS.

 

[michaelmason6807]

Don't need a transom saver if you have plenty of clearance to tow with it down. If you have to tow with the engine tilted up (for clearance) then use a TS.

OK let me ask you this… do I tow it with the run lever on war on the lowest tilt lock setting?

 

[flashback]

Imo you should raise the motor up no matter. And support it with a brace of your choice. 2x4 would be nice..

 

[topgun3690]

Being just a 9.9 hp could just take it off and lay it down in the bottom of the boat or the back of your truck.....

 

[racerone]

Tow with it down and in gear.

 

[michaelmason6807]

so I guess I don’t have enough clearance unless I put it in the lowest tilt lock setting as in pic

 

[JimS123]

View attachment 385219so I guess I don’t have enough clearance unless I put it in the lowest tilt lock setting as in pic

The picture shows us nothing became it is at the wrong angle. You need at least 8" of road clearance. If not, get a transom saver. If yes, follow post #10. Regardless, get rid of that nasty green strap.

 

[michaelmason6807]

The picture shows us nothing became it is at the wrong angle. You need at least 8" of road clearance. If not, get a transom saver. If yes, follow post #10. Regardless, get rid of that nasty green strap.

When it’s sitting in the lowest tilt lock setting like in the pic it has 13 inches of clearance. Green strap is just stop motor from moving side to side. So now I’m really confused 🫤… so your saying if the motor can’t sit all the way down and be vertical and have over 8in clearance then I need a saver or take motor off when towing? But wouldnt putting a saver on only help support the tilt bracket and not the transom? Since if I put the motor how it is in pic it would be exactly the same angle as saver. Or am I not understanding how the saver balances the weight of the motor? Thanks I appreciate it. I know I sound dumb and well when it comes to boats I am and trying to learn the correct way so thanks for all y’all help

 

[airshot]

When I had my '94 9.9 evinrude, I made a rubber block at work the wedged in the tilt mechanism to soften any road bounce. Had a nice heavy bungee strap to hold the motor down....didn't care what it looked like, it cushioned the motor and the strap ( bungee) held it in place for the ten years I owned it. Boat transom was rated for 35 hp so that 9.9 wasn't going to hurt a thing..

 

[silverbul]

after looking at the pic, i don't know how your going to put a transom saver on there, but i will ask, isn't the license plate supposed to be under a light?

 

[racerone]

Tow with motor down and in gear !!

 

[briangcc]

Here's a radical idea....take it off the transom and put it in the boat. My uncle towed his 16' Sylvan with a Rude 9.9 that way literally for years. No ill effects doing it.

 

[racerone]

More chance of cosmetic damage to expensive upper and lower cowlings if you put it in the boat.

 

[briangcc]

Then put a carpet down. Easy peasy. Let's not over think this.