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Author Topic:   outboard support bracket vs. widget

jmarlo posted 07-06-2009 01:45 PM ET (US)
I went to my Yamaha dealer to obtain a replacement outboard support bracket, but they no longer would source the bracket I need (I need a bracket with an angle). Instead, they sold me a new product from Yamaha, a rubber boot/sleeve that fits over one of the hydraulic trim/tilt pistons. You raise the motor, slide on this widget, then lower the motor. Its supposed to relieve the tension from the piston during trailering. It does do what its intended, but my concern is that this does not relieve the tension as effectively as a bracket to the trailer. Guy at the dealer said the relative stress/strain on the transom will be less with this new widget than the strain/bounce associated from the trailer with a bracket. Any thoughts as to a better approach to relieving transom stress during trailering?
pglein posted 07-06-2009 02:50 PM ET (US)
Yes, the general consensus now is that the "transom saver" style brackets that run from the trailer directly to the engine, actually more directly transmit the impact of bumps on the road to the engine, and thus can damage the engine. Many CW members, myself included, strongly advise against using them.
As for the wedge, if you do not trust your engine's original tilt lock device (if it is such equipped), you could use one of these. Personally, I think the hydraulic ram is the perfect device for keeping the engine held up and in place, and the tilt lock is primarily there to catch the motor in case the hydraulic ram fails, thus preventing the engine from dropping all the way to the ground in one catastrophic motion.
Nauti Tauk posted 07-06-2009 06:20 PM ET (US)
The My-Wedge works great. I've been running back and forth to and from south Florida to the mountains of Georgia for 4 years using the Wedge. It has worked just fine and I recommend it. If there is any movement of the engine while on the road it's cushioned quite effectively since the unit is made from a hard rubber. It may not be needed at all but it gives me a feeling of confidence while towing long distances.
Phil T posted 07-06-2009 07:32 PM ET (US)
J -
One of the guys at the Whaler gathering in NYC told me about his and showed them to me. (Note he had a mint Outrage 25 cuddy WD with a super console that had custom electronics box fabricated in fiberglass that held a massive 11" GPS Chartplotter. Sorry no photos)
Rather than pay big bucks for the Yamaha brand, he made his own. It is a side roller (like this http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/4,8516.html sleeved in PVC pipe. I saw it installed and he let me look at it. He cut it to the length he wanted. Ingenious knock off for a lot less money.
I think I got the guys email address in my NYC bag I have yet to unpack.
Personally, I don't want the engine fixed to the trailer, rather to the transom.
Hope this helps.
Mr T posted 07-07-2009 11:16 AM ET (US)
I have no tilt/trim on my motor and the lower end is only about 4 inches from the ground if that during trailering. I use a transom saver now, but it is a pita. I always worriy that the motor fully tilted up was a pretty long lever, and stressed the transom too much.
Am I better off without the transom saver?
There really is no way to have the motor down during trailering.

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Author	Topic: outboard support bracket vs. widget
jmarlo	posted 07-06-2009 01:45 PM ET (US) I went to my Yamaha dealer to obtain a replacement outboard support bracket, but they no longer would source the bracket I need (I need a bracket with an angle). Instead, they sold me a new product from Yamaha, a rubber boot/sleeve that fits over one of the hydraulic trim/tilt pistons. You raise the motor, slide on this widget, then lower the motor. Its supposed to relieve the tension from the piston during trailering. It does do what its intended, but my concern is that this does not relieve the tension as effectively as a bracket to the trailer. Guy at the dealer said the relative stress/strain on the transom will be less with this new widget than the strain/bounce associated from the trailer with a bracket. Any thoughts as to a better approach to relieving transom stress during trailering?
pglein	posted 07-06-2009 02:50 PM ET (US) Yes, the general consensus now is that the "transom saver" style brackets that run from the trailer directly to the engine, actually more directly transmit the impact of bumps on the road to the engine, and thus can damage the engine. Many CW members, myself included, strongly advise against using them. As for the wedge, if you do not trust your engine's original tilt lock device (if it is such equipped), you could use one of these. Personally, I think the hydraulic ram is the perfect device for keeping the engine held up and in place, and the tilt lock is primarily there to catch the motor in case the hydraulic ram fails, thus preventing the engine from dropping all the way to the ground in one catastrophic motion.
Nauti Tauk	posted 07-06-2009 06:20 PM ET (US) The My-Wedge works great. I've been running back and forth to and from south Florida to the mountains of Georgia for 4 years using the Wedge. It has worked just fine and I recommend it. If there is any movement of the engine while on the road it's cushioned quite effectively since the unit is made from a hard rubber. It may not be needed at all but it gives me a feeling of confidence while towing long distances.
Phil T	posted 07-06-2009 07:32 PM ET (US) J - One of the guys at the Whaler gathering in NYC told me about his and showed them to me. (Note he had a mint Outrage 25 cuddy WD with a super console that had custom electronics box fabricated in fiberglass that held a massive 11" GPS Chartplotter. Sorry no photos) Rather than pay big bucks for the Yamaha brand, he made his own. It is a side roller (like this http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/4,8516.html sleeved in PVC pipe. I saw it installed and he let me look at it. He cut it to the length he wanted. Ingenious knock off for a lot less money. I think I got the guys email address in my NYC bag I have yet to unpack. Personally, I don't want the engine fixed to the trailer, rather to the transom. Hope this helps.
Mr T	posted 07-07-2009 11:16 AM ET (US) I have no tilt/trim on my motor and the lower end is only about 4 inches from the ground if that during trailering. I use a transom saver now, but it is a pita. I always worriy that the motor fully tilted up was a pretty long lever, and stressed the transom too much. Am I better off without the transom saver? There really is no way to have the motor down during trailering.