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Trailer to FLorida, motor up or down?
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| playinghooky1 |
Posted on 09/27/18 - 2:15 PM
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I plan on trailering my 1993 13’ Sport from NH to Florida, around 1500 miles.
I will be having the boat shrink wrapped for the trip. My question is, should I trailer it with the motor tilted up or left in the down position. When the motor is down, there is 8 inches of clearance to the ground. Is that enough clearance to trailer with it down? I would think with it down it would put less strain on the transom but I am concerned about the keel scraping the ground. The motor is a 1994 40 HP Mercury without power trim.
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| Phil T |
Posted on 09/28/18 - 5:15 AM
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I say down.
Just be cautious when entering and exiting any curb cuts.
If it makes you nervous, use a 2"x4" block to raise the motor.
Drill a 1" hole on the face, 2" in from the edge of a 14"-16" long 2"x4". Insert between the engine and the mount. Tie a 1/4" diameter rope to each end of the 2x4 and tie the bitter ends to the transom eyes. This keeps you from loosing the block if it bounces loose.
Edited by Phil T on 09/28/18 - 5:19 AM
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT |
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| Royboy |
Posted on 11/08/18 - 7:18 AM
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Down, for sure. there is no advantage to up. Puts all the stress on the mount which is designed to handle it, vs. instead of the lock mechanism which is not.
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| Blackduck |
Posted on 11/08/18 - 7:22 AM
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Down-
Walter Reynolds
1973 Boston Whaler 16 Nauset 90 HP Yamaha |
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| Tfrere |
Posted on 11/08/18 - 4:35 PM
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What’s wrong with using a transom saver? I rarely see a boat in South Louisiana being trailered without one
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| max366 |
Posted on 11/08/18 - 6:33 PM
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I agree with the 2x4 method - I hauled a 15 Sport with a 60HP 4 stroke over 500 uneventful miles using it.
The transom saver is great as well- West has one on sale now
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--adjustable-motor-support-2-5hp-to-40hp--15958713
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| mike1954 |
Posted on 11/09/18 - 1:41 PM
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just towed my 2018 montauk 150 from Canada to Destin Florida last week for the winter,I checked the tire pressure daily 50psi and greased the hubs every 500 miles just to be on the safe side. As the tires are only rated for 1250lbs and 75mph max also carried a spare.I lifted the motor and supported it with a 2x4 between the mount tied it off just to make sure still there at the end of the day
Have a safe tip.
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| Deeks |
Posted on 11/09/18 - 1:56 PM
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I trailer my 1988 17 Super Sport LTD with a 2013 90 Yamaha from New York to Florida and back every year since 2013.
Engine is always tilted all the way up and locked with the Yamaha trailer lock, have no issues with the engine or transom.
I also shrink wrap mine both ways, keep all luggage, 2 spare wheels with hubs, trailer jack, fishing poles and anything else I need to take with me.
Just make sure the shrink wrap is taped to the rub rail with the correct type hull tape, regular tape is a pain to get off and can discolor the fiberglass.
No shrink wrap belly bands, they with vibrate with the wind and eat into the glass. Also if you are stowing anything in the boat make sure you use something to insulate it from the hull,
bubble wrap, cardboard or towels work well. Make sure you take extra care with your trailer, potholes have caused me to replace 2 trailer cross members and one license plate.
Good Luck!!
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