Outbard Engine Support While Towing

[Carsons_11]

Hello All,
I am picking up a new to me 2021 R23 in a couple weeks and will be towing her from North Carolina to Texas.

With previous outboards, I used a transom saver device that supported the OB lower section with a bar support that lead back to the rear of the trailer.

I'm assuming that the outboard will need to be tilted up during transport for ground clearance. Some research indicates that a support device may be placed over the tilt cylinder shaft for support while towing.

What do you other OB owners do while towing?

Thanks
Bob

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

I use the tilt support on the ram. That’s all.


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[Brian B]

This topic was recently discussed.
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=19241&p=125598&hilit=Tilt+support&sid=5f3117acf2b1be42198de870fd335c28#p125598

 

[Carsons_11]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

I towed my R-23 from Miami to Pensacola without any issues and when I tow the boat I use this transom saver from Yamaha. Not cheap but very effective. Search Yamaha MAR-MTSPT-YM -10 on Amazon. I have no affiliation with Amazon but this thing works. If you look at the motor manual it states DO NOT USE the engine support bracket for transport.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I just towed my C 242 to Florida which was 1020 miles and prior the tow and after much thought I made my own transom saver with a dampener on both ends. I could not find on one online that was long enough. I personally would not tow long distances without one. Would love instruction on how to post photos. Or I can email. If anyone would like to see it I can bring it to the rendezvous at Punta Gorda.
KKRCRACE

 

[Ralf H]

Hi,

The ram tilt "sticks" are what we use and recommend for engine support. Anything similar to these will work:

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[Carsons_11]

Thanks to all for the replies. Part ordered.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Carson’s, keep your receipt. I say this because our recently purchased R25OB came with two of these with the boat, from the factory. Also included were 2 transom straps. You might want to pick up a ratchet strap to connect from the bow ring down to the trailer.

Jim

 

[Brian 27 OB]

I just towed my C 242 to Florida which was 1020 miles

Leaving next week to do the same. 1040 miles for me. I have a pair of the Yamaha engine supports. The metal ones that came with my boat got lost.

See you in February.

 

[Carsons_11]

Will do Jim.

Just watched part of your presentation on "As The Prop Turns" this morning.

Thanks

 

[ID1890]

I've been following this discussion, as I have some long trips with my R-25 OB planned in the future. Having just completed a 7,400 mile round trip with my camper, I can say that a lot of the interstates are in extremely poor condition and would be very punishing on the boat/trailer.

I have the engine supports furnished with the boat, but I have also seen steering lock clips (YAMAHA STEERING LOCK CLIP KIT #6ES-23326-00) being mentioned as necessary to keep the motor from turning side to side. Anyone use these and care to comment?

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We just towed our new R25OB from Seattle to Florida with the transom savers in place but NO steering lock clip. After most days of trailering the engine did not move much at all, just a bit each day.

Jim F

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

I would have to agree with Jim. If you’re going to use a transom saver bar that connects the engine to the rear cross member, you will want to get a ratchet strap to tie down the bow to the trailer. This will help keep the motion on the bow from causing the bar to continually punch up on the lower unit.


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[Capt’nKarl]

A port and starboard transom strap and a bow strap with safety chain are necessary for towing any significant distance. Less bounce, less stress on the boat and you.