Outboard up or down

[Chris Caton]

Originally Posted by Chris

This is what the Honda Manual says....

"The Motor should be trailered in the normal running position or by using a transom saver bar"

I've tried trailering in the normal running position, by mistake didn't do the skeg any good at all so since then I just take my chance on that catch working and the hydraulics keeping the engine up, but I like your idea mick, are you going into mass production?

[Boats&Outboards]

Originally Posted by discomick

Came up with this idea what do you think, and put the light board in its proper place but I don't like it do low

Still not quite right but getting closer. Props could be inside the trailer board which would be perfect.

I'd change the plastic for something stronger as its not doing anything. The engines still being held by their main ram which if failed (unlikely) would just push through that plastic and drag the road (assuming they reach).

It's all ifs n buts, you should see how some of ours gets towed. One was collected this week by a customer with no straps and a trailerboard but no electrics fitted to the car :nono:

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[Waterman]

I borrowed Nashers idea on this for my opti 200 and just used a nice block of wood and attach a small ratchet around the leg to the outboard bracket. Just take up the bite on the wood with the PTT.
Very cheap and effective.
Sorry no pic of my own in operation but here's the one I copied from Nasher. Cheers Nasher!

[Ribochet]

For 8 years I towed with twin Honda 90's on the transom - putting up well over 5,000 miles on some of the worst roads in Ireland - anybody been to Achill Island will testify to that .

The engines were always raised with the locking arms in position and I never ever had any problems .

Here is a photo, minus the prop bags, which brings back a few memories .

[mick]

Originally Posted by Ribochet

For 8 years I towed with twin Honda 90's on the transom - putting up well over 5,000 miles on some of the worst roads in Ireland - anybody been to Achill Island will testify to that .

The engines were always raised with the locking arms in position and I never ever had any problems .

Here is a photo, minus the prop bags, which brings back a few memories .

Who nicked the light board arms between you having it and me getting it can you remember how long they where don't think the ones I got will be long enough.

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by Ribochet

For 8 years I towed with twin Honda 90's on the transom...Here is a photo, minus the prop bags, which brings back a few memories .

Attachment 66112

I'm surprised the photo wasn't minus the lighting board too

[mick]

It's very low I think I will have to do some measuring cutting and welding to get it higher up.

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by discomick

It's very low I think I will have to do some measuring cutting and welding to get it higher up.

I was thinking more in terms of the length of the arms. There's an interesting cantilever at work there

[kerny]

This looks good but expensive from US

MOTO-STOP TRANSOM SAVER FITS TRIM RODS MOTOR SUPPORT | eBay

[kerny]

This looks good but expensive from US

MOTO-STOP TRANSOM SAVER FITS TRIM RODS MOTOR SUPPORT | eBay

and this one fits leg to trailer which is probably better for taking the weight off the transom.

Universal Transom Saver Boat Motor Trailer Support Arm Dual Mount Brackets | eBay

[mick]

Originally Posted by Leapy

I was thinking more in terms of the length of the arms. There's an interesting cantilever at work there

That's what I mean they have to be long to clear props and a combo of 10" wheels and big boat make for low light board

[kerny]

Found this old thread on here http://www.rib.net/forum/f36/yamaha-...ners-4963.html

Even now, it's still an ongoing discussion with no apparent resolution.

[joe_db]

On this side of the pond I never heard of leaving the engine down to protect the BOAT. We do it because hitting potholes damages the outboard brackets.

[Rokraider]

I transport my Porter on a dual wheel trailer with the outboard lowerd down until it gently rests on the rear keel roller. I figure it is giving the transom and mounts an easier life and also helps stop the boat trying to move forward in an emergency stop. Seems to work ok.

[wavebarrier]

I once towed a 20ft rig with 90 Yam 2-stroke, and the engine down as low as possible. It was well clear of grounding, but as the boat may have shaken or vibrated a little sideways, minor contact with the trailer lighting board strut removed half of the skeg, so beware of having the skeg in contact with trailer, as bumpy roads will do damage.

[Johnscubanut]

Yamaha manual states put engine in down position, but high enough to clear ground & support with special arm support or block of timber (or equivalent) trapped beneath?

[51ROB20]

Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

I always tow with the engines trimmed down, just resting on the separate trim rams (if fitted). I don't like the forces involved when fully up and dread to think the damage caused if the lugs failed. The only thing to consider when using the ram is if they lose it's hold you can damage your gearbox. As a prevention (especially if it's your own boat) you can just lower it onto a wooden block so if it ever did fail you've got something to take the strain. Not as easy when your towing different boats/setups

Disco Mick

Not entirely sure so dont quote me on it but I think it's illegal to tow with the trailer board so high on the A Frame like that. Somebody once told me it had to be a certain height from the road ? I do it myself mind as its the most viable place most of the time!

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

I used to build trailers for a living back in the 1980's The light board should be no higher than the rear lights on the towing vehicle and if I remember rightly should be no lower than 14 inches.