Transom Saver on Tomcat 2006

R Beck · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 12:10 am Post subject: Transom Saver on Tomcat 2006

Do we need to use a Transom Saver on a 2006 Tomcat if trailering for long distance?

srbaum · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:39 am Post subject:

R Beck, my opinion is that they are not a good idea. Though you strap the boat to the trailer, while going down the road, the trailer frame moves a bit, which causes the outboard to move in unison with the trailer and not the boat. Seen it, been there, got the tee shirt and saw the damage.

jkidd · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 9:38 am Post subject:

You might try one of these
https://www.amazon.com/Outboard-Motor-Support-Transom-Compatible/dp/B0BB2G4Z4S

They are made for most motors with hydraulic trim.
Mine is the M-yWedge brand.

https://m-ywedge.com/collections/3-ram-motor-support

ssobol · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 9:49 am Post subject:

On my CD22 with the motor in the normal position the skeg is too close to the ground for comfort when towing. I use a piece of 2x3 that gets put into the tilt mechanism to hold the motor in a raised position when trailering. Raise the motor up, insert wood, lower motor until the wood is captured. Done.

Only really need a "transom saver" if the motor needs to be held in a raised position when trailering. This is to prevent the motor from dropping down and potentially dragging from a trim cylinder failure . This is not likely, but just in case, a piece of wood is a lot cheaper than a lower unit. The transom saver should not be connected to the trailer for the reason mentioned earlier.

Both the trim system and the transom experience much higher loads in normal operation than when trailering and are designed for them.

Captain Starbucks · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 10:16 am Post subject:

Trailering on the TomCat is done with the engines in the down position due to height of skegs above ground. There is no need for a transom saver. The load is as shear as it's going to get, not tension.

thataway · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 2:41 pm Post subject:

I used the M-Y Wedges, plus similar rubber/plastic pieces on both sides of the steering rans to prevent the motors from turning, which is hard on the seals.

My 18' Caracal cat came with a "Transom Saver" and I have used it without issues. There is a spring inside of the square tubing which takes much of the shock load from the bumps. I have my boats strapped to the trailer frame, with one of the yellow ratchet straps snugged up as tight as possible.