A blog about boats, fishing, water sports and having fun on the ocean
Do you really need a transom saver?
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If you can trim your engine all the way down when towing, you very well might not need a transom saver or motor support. However, if the lower unit of your outboard engine is too close to the ground when trimmed down, your engine is at high risk of damage during trailering.
Most transom savers can support up to a 150HP motor, which is sufficient for most regular boats.
Does a 9.9 Need a transom saver?
The manual for my Suzuki 9.9 with a similar weight to your motor says that a transom saver isn’t necessary if you can trailer the boat with the motor in the full down position. No..
Should I leave my outboard motor up or down?
The best way is to either leave the motor on the boat or on an engine stand in an upright position, not tilted. If neither of these are an option, try to make sure that the engine is in an upright, self-draining position. If you can’t do this, be sure that the cooling system is drained completely.
Do you really need a transom saver? – Related Questions
How long can a boat sit without running?
One of the most commonly-asked questions we get is, “Is it okay if my boat isn’t running for a while in Fort Lauderdale, FL?” The answer is yes—but you have to do some maintenance beforehand. As long as it’s well maintained before going into storage, a boat can sit for a few months, a few years or even a few decades.
What position should outboard motor be in when trailering?
Trailering with the engine in a vertical position puts the least amount of strain on the motor and transom, but that’s not possible for many boat/trailer/engine combinations due to ground clearance issues.
Should an outboard be stored up or down for winter?
If you’re storing your watercraft outdoors this winter season, make sure you keep the motor tilted down. By doing this, you’ll allow water and moisture to drain out of the cooling system. If moisture stays inside the motor, you could end up with a cracked block or a damaged water pump housing.
How do you store an outboard motor on a boat?
How do you store a 4 stroke outboard motor?
Here are a few tips to assist you in properly caring for your outboard engine:
Keep it clean and dry.
Flush and drain the cooling system.
Drain the fuel tank (portable) and the fuel system.
Change the engine oil.
Coat all surfaces liable to rust with a thin film of oil.
Store in the standard operation position.
Is it OK to leave boat uncovered in rain?
Not only will the rain damage a boat’s interior, but leaving it without a cover exposes it to the sun’s harmful rays. Boat covers are designed to help protect from falling sticks, animals, snow, and many other potential dangers. A boat left without a cover while not in use, will lose value very rapidly.
Covering your boat with a tarp is a good idea anytime you’re storing it. Boat tarps can protect from a number of outside elements. It helps deter vandals or thieves. A boat tarp also protects from the harmful rays of the sun.
Is it OK to store a boat outside in winter?
Outdoor boat storage is certainly possible for your boat during winter. If you decide to do this, it is especially important to pull your boat completely out of the water because ice and very cold water can do great damage to your boat.
How long can a boat stay in the water?
A boat can only safely stay in saltwater for about one week, but in most cases, three to four weeks in freshwater will not cause damage. When you leave a boat sitting in water, it never gets a chance for the construction materials to dry out.
How long does a fiberglass boat hull last?
How Long Do Fiberglass Boats Typically last? Fiberglass boats can be sound and seaworthy for up to fifty years or more. Fiberglass is very durable, and with proper maintenance and care, fiberglass boats can last for many decades. Fiberglass itself will not break down but instead will break down due to outside factors.
How often should you run your boat?
How often should I run my boat motor? Your boat motor should be run on a regular basis. Running the boat engine every so often even when you don’t use your boat often helps keep things in working order.
If your boat is in the water year-round, the bottom should be painted every year. For boats that go in and out of the water, every 2-3 years is sufficient. Many boaters that use ablative paint will alternate bottom paint colors so they can tell when the newest paint layer is thin and becoming ineffective.
How much does a boat paint job cost?
The professional topside painting will cost you $100 to $400 per linear foot. However, the average price is often $200 to $250 per linear foot for an undamaged boat, particularly when choosing low-quality paint. For instance, you need to set aside $4,000 to $5,000 for an average 20 feet (6 m) long vessel on average.
Should I repaint the bottom of my boat each year or just touch it up?
In general, you should apply boat bottom paint once a year, however; some bottom paints can last for two years. If your boat is kept in the water or you use it regularly, you you have it checked annually to determine if it requires a new bottom paint coating.
What is the difference between marine paint and regular paint?
Marine paint is designed for appearance, constant or intermittent exposure to sea water, sunlight, and possibly also the growth of barnacles and other marine organisms. If I were painting a boat I would use a marine polyurethane which has the same slickness as an automotive paint.
Why do boats use gelcoat instead of paint?
Gelcoat is formulated to be UV protective and stable against harmful chemical reactions. Yacht hulls are often exposed to several chemical vapors, so this stability is an advantage. Gelcoat finish is known for its long-lasting durability.