Transom saver on a 14' jon with 6hp?

Are transom saver necessary with small boat such mine?

Tracker 1436 with a Johnson 6hp?

Am I risking damage to my boat?

If it's not an old boat, and the transom is in good condition, I see no need for such a device.


CMOS

I use one, and would use one on any size outboard.

I'd put one on, cheap insurance.

Ictalurus said:

I use one, and would use one on any size outboard.

I'd put one on, cheap insurance.

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X2

With that small a motor you probably don't need one if the transom is in good condition and you have enough skeg to ground clearance. That said I like the extra piece of mind I have by using one.

Yes, boat is was bought new.

I did add some 3/4" plywood on the outside of the boat where the motor mounts to. Tracker toppers in my opinion have a thin transom.

Maybe I'll build something to support the motor ?

When I rebuilt my transom I just built a small beam that runs from the transom to the back seat and is drilled in place. I did this so when driving, even though my motor is a small 3hp that weighs 35lbs, I still know there is no chance of the flexing in the transom. Cheap, permanent, and it prevents any flex while boating too.

I just put a piece of 2x4 under the motor when it is tilted up and then strap it down using the handles on the transom. Yamaha actually recommends doing that instead of a transom saver. it prevents the motor from bouncing up and down and gives me enough clearance too.

edit;
Not instead of but in place of if you don't have a transom saver.

With a little motor like that I'd just take it off and put it in the tow vehicle. Problem solved.

momule said:

With a little motor like that I'd just take it off and put it in the tow vehicle. Problem solved.

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exactly.

momule said:

With a little motor like that I'd just take it off and put it in the tow vehicle. Problem solved.

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When I was sailing, many years ago, my 20 footer had a 5 hp Mariner on it for getting in and out of the slip. I removed it when towing as others have said.

momule said:

With a little motor like that I'd just take it off and put it in the tow vehicle. Problem solved.

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Yup - otherwise you still have a 70lb mass bouncing back and forth with leverage on your transom while towing. Aluminum does not hold up over time to those types of stress.

I'd put a transome saver on it. $40. Take it on and off every time you want to use it or use a transom saver...I think that's a no brainer.

I'd also take it off. If not then yes get a transome saver. Those little engines wip around more than the big ones and it will crack your transom.

$30.00 at walmart
or take it off and put in vehicle. Either way cheap insurance.