Options for towing boat w a non tilt/trim small outboard (25 hp)?

[sjcslk]

I just picked up a 1990 Lund 16'. It has a 25 hp and Shoreland trailer. The trailer frame stops a few feet under the boat, with roller brackets extending out from there and no cross bar to attach my old transom saver to. I tried to see how lock-n-hauls or my wedges work but all they show is putting them on big outboards with hydraulics. I've got about 8 inches of road clearance.

 

[briangcc]

Way, way back when....before advent of transom savers, internet, etc....what my family did trailering our boat was to stuff a small block of wood between the motor and the motor bracket to hold the outboard up for road clearance. This on a very old Evinrude Big Twin 30HP that did not have power trim/tilt. We'd trailer that boat over 8 hours some trips over dirt logging roads in the North Country with NO issues this way.

Take it for what its worth.

 

[racerone]

Way, way back when , a boat shop that I frequented had some u-shaped brackets in a box.-----Gave them away with each motor that was sold or came in for repairs.------Just fit it into the holes for the tilt pin.----Swing it up and lock the motor on.

 

[sjcslk]

Way, way back when , a boat shop that I frequented had some u-shaped brackets in a box.-----Gave them away with each motor that was sold or came in for repairs.------Just fit it into the holes for the tilt pin.----Swing it up and lock the motor on.

By tilt pin holes, do you mean the motor angle holes? Right now my motor is set to run, straight down in hole #1 or #2. Are you saying put a fake pin in hole #5, for example, and then lock it down on the fake pin and maybe cinch it?

 

[sjcslk]

25 hp manual outboard (no hydraulics) sits straight down with about 8" road clearance. I'd like to add a few more inches for road clearance and get some support to keep the motor from bouncing. The frame on this trailer doesn't allow for use of my transome saver. The trailer frame ends a few feet from the end of the boat with the roller arm brackets extending out from there and no crossbar at their ends to attach the transom saver to. I've heard guys used to just use a 2x4 or block of wood to stabilize, but I'm not sure where this would go or how it would work, or any other suggestions ?

 

[poconojoe]

Interesting, I'll follow along to see what suggestions are put forth.

I assume that block of wood needs to be secured somehow from falling out during transport.

Is there a way you could just tilt the motor and tie it off to something in the boat?

Or, just remove the motor and lay it in the boat or in your vehicle? It's not that big. How heavy is it?

 

[Sea Rider]

If will be towing the combo on nice paved roads it it possible to lock the motor fully up ?

Happy Boating​

 

[sjcslk]

Interesting, I'll follow along to see what suggestions are put forth.

I assume that block of wood needs to be secured somehow from falling out during transport.

They say not to trailer on the tilt pin, it was not made for that.

 

[roscoe]

start with a 2x4 about 14" long.
Drill a hole in it or screw an eye bolt near each end.
Raise motor, place 2x4 into space between motor leg and the transom mount.
Lower motor.
Wire, tie or bungee the 2x4 in place so it can't fall down.

Now tie the motor down by securing a small ratchet strap, one end around your trailer crossmember, the other end around the motor just above the propeller. Just snug enough so the motor can't lift up.

 

[JimS123]

If will be towing the combo on nice paved roads it it possible to lock the motor fully up ?

Happy Boating​

The worst idea. The tilt pin will make the engine wiggle, and eventually the up and down bouncing will damage the transom, no matter how smooth the roads are.

Ask me how I know....

 

[JimS123]

Now for the solution...

Cut / fabricate / build a block of wood that gets the motor in the place you want it. Install (temporarily) a SS allthread the same size as the highest tilt pin hole (probably 3/8" OD). Add a second one for the engine tilt pin. Connect the 2 with turnbuckles on both sides and tighten the sucker up.

Been there, done that.

Sorry if my explanation isn't 100% and I don't have pics. Did it 50 years ago and no need to do it today with current technology.

 

[sjcslk]

Thanks. Originally I eye balled the situation, but now that I took a measurement and extended the transom saver, it looks like it is just going to work. So, its been a while since I've used it; I assume once its in place you lock the motor ?