First big tow

kawishiwi · 05-18-2017, 08:05 PM

I am taking my boat for its first trip away from Winni to spend a week on Champlain.
This will be the first time I've trailered a boat with an engine > 25HP.
The boat is a 17ft alum. walk-thru w/115hp outboard. What do I need to do to protect the motor? Seems like letting it ride trimmed up or down could be a problem. Do I need a brace for the motor?
Any and all tips for the motor or towing in general are much appreciated!

Loub52 · 05-19-2017, 05:34 AM

Off topic, but a reminder that zebra mussels and other invasive species thrive in Lake Champlain: https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.o...ecies-in-lake/

winniskier · 05-19-2017, 06:07 AM

I hope that all of us, particularly those who love Winnipesaukee, are extra careful when it comes to zebra mussels and other invasive species. Sorry if I sound preachy, but when I see a round trip to Lake Champlain, I feel the need to speak up.

Rattletrap · 05-19-2017, 06:46 AM

You should tow it with the motor trimmed down as far as you can(leaving room for your skeg if you hit a bump and the trailer suspension flexes. This will take the stress off the transom and trim. If you have a gas shut off i would recommend shutting the fuel off also. Make sure anything that could fly out during your trip even seat cushions are stowed away. I have buddies tell me that heavy seat cushions were missing when they got to their destination.

Top-Water · 05-19-2017, 07:47 AM

For long distance towing these are pretty much mandatory. The transom tie downs secure your boat hull to the trailer and pull it down tight to the trailer bunks and keep it from bouncing on the trailer and stressing the hull, combined with a transom saver that takes (*some*) of the weight of the motor and transfers it to the boat trailer. These two items used together properly represent the very best way to tow your boat over long distances.

Ratchet Transom Tie-Downs

Transom Saver

(*some*) Some of the better brands of transom savers are spring loaded. You only want to have this item under a moderate load, meaning just enough to take the *some* of the weight of the outboard motor and transfer it to the trailer.

A few other tips, put the outboard motor in gear, either (forward or reverse) the properer should never be spinning from the wind pressure pushing against it. The inner seals are lubricated with gear case oil. The outer seals somewhat depend on water to help keep them lubricated. It might look cool as your going down the road with a spinning propeller but it's actually damaging the outer propeller shaft seal if it spins and is not getting water splashed on it once in a while. Don't forget to check tire pressure too, often overlooked. Long trips can really do a lot of damage to boat trailer tires if they are under inflated. Don't assume they should be at 35psi. On the side of the tire there should be information on what the correct tire pressure should be. On my trailers they are supposed to be at 50 psi and it always seems a little weird putting that much on them, but that is what they are supposed to have to keep them from over heating. Check the wheel bearings too, a few shots of fresh grease on them is always a good idea.

Kamper · 05-19-2017, 07:58 AM

I did this about 20 years ago with a similar rig. I put a tie-down across the bow as well as the stern. (Using dock lines for this will work as well.) I used a 'transom saver' but some folks are comfortable adding a wood block or 2X4 between the shaft and the transom. Just make sure it's secured with more than just pressure.

Bring passports in case you decide to pop-over the line. There is/was a customs barge operated by Canada where you can check-in. Their safety equipment needs are close to ours but a 'throw-bag' is mandatory. If you have an unlicensed VHF, they will issue you a temporary license unless you declare you will only use it in an emergency.

Try to get a chart in advance. The campground I stayed at only had a fishing map. At my first gas-stop I got all 3 chart sections but (IMO) the fishing map had the same depths and buoys plus fishing spots so I could have gotten by with that.

There is a lot less to do shore-side than Winni but you're there for the water so who cares, right?

salty dog · 05-19-2017, 02:17 PM

Like-Top water said " Check the wheel bearings too, a few shots of fresh grease on them is always a good idea." I can't stress that enough (from experience). A bearing going bad on a long trip can ruin things in a hurry. Also it's really good to have a spare tire/wheel (also from experience). Back in the days when we towed the boat back home here in Beverly, a one and a half hour trip turned into about 5 because I had no spare.

Have a great trip; Champlain is a beautiful lake.

LIforrelaxin · 05-19-2017, 02:33 PM

Check your engine, but generally the is a small lever that you flop into place, and allows the engine to rest on, that will take the pressure of off the hydrolic trim ram.....

My father had a Tower of Power for 30 years, on a boat that we trailered all over the place.... we never needed one of those fancy Transom savers to take the relieve some of the wait...

Disclaimer...... Things may have changed.... Engines have gotten heavier etc.....

Top-Water · 05-19-2017, 09:10 PM

Good luck on your trip, take some pictures. As far as towing the boat goes, I guess you will have to decide for yourself on what you should use to support the engine while towing. The article link below describes some of the pros & cons. Personally I never tow (over long distances) without one. I highlighted a few sections of the article based on your boat description and something worth noting.

Link
http://www.boatus.com/magazine/trail...nsom-saver.asp

Quote:

Originally Posted by kawishiwi

The boat is a 17ft alum.

From the article
Tracker Boats, on the other hand, endorses their use and includes a "motor toter" with all of their packages. These findings fall in line with the general notion that smaller jonboats and bass boats are more susceptible to transom damage due to their higher motor-to-boat weight ratio. Aluminum boats also seem to be more prone to damage (broken welds, popped rivets) than heavier, reinforced fiberglass transoms.

Never do this!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Check your engine, but generally the is a small lever that you flop into place, and allows the engine to rest on, that will take the pressure of off the hydrolic trim ram.....

From the article
One universal word of caution is that the outboard's tilt bracket is designed to support the motor during maintenance or storage only and should never be used when trailering.

kawishiwi · 05-20-2017, 05:42 PM

Many thanks to all who responded & special regards to Top-Water for going above & beyond in his responses.
As for Zebra mussels our plan is to trailer the boat the night before we leave & drain all water from the boat and police vegatation remains. On our way home we'll hit a car wash stall and hit it hard with a hot water wash and a second examination.

kawishiwi · 06-09-2017, 08:17 PM

Sucessfully completed our Champlain trip without mishap towing or otherwise. For those worried about invasive species we hot washed the boat at a car wash and the boat has been sitting dry for a week before going into the lake.
Did find out that mice will nest in trailers and chew wiring.
Oh, the fishing was unbeleivably great.
This was our opening double header...

noreast · 06-11-2017, 08:47 AM

Awesome... I would have given a thumbs up but mine aren't there anymore. Did I miss something?

Descant · 06-11-2017, 07:43 PM

Thanks for the extra effort on the Clean, drain, dry. There's a lot of risk in Champlain. You are a great example of the way to do it right.

upthesaukee · 06-12-2017, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noreast

Awesome... I would have given a thumbs up but mine aren't there anymore. Did I miss something?

Per Webmaster a while back: he did a system upgrade and one item (perhaps more) that was not compatible with the new package was the thanks button (thumbs up). It is, in his words, a work in progress. I think if you go into the support portion of the forum, you will find his explanation.
Dave

Sent from my SM-T580 using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

noreast · 06-14-2017, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Per Webmaster a while back: he did a system upgrade and one item (perhaps more) that was not compatible with the new package was the thanks button (thumbs up). It is, in his words, a work in progress. I think if you go into the support portion of the forum, you will find his explanation.
Dave

Sent from my SM-T580 using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Thank you!

05-18-2017, 08:05 PM	#1
kawishiwi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 519 Thanks: 227 Thanked 167 Times in 108 Posts	First big tow I am taking my boat for its first trip away from Winni to spend a week on Champlain. This will be the first time I've trailered a boat with an engine > 25HP. The boat is a 17ft alum. walk-thru w/115hp outboard. What do I need to do to protect the motor? Seems like letting it ride trimmed up or down could be a problem. Do I need a brace for the motor? Any and all tips for the motor or towing in general are much appreciated!

05-19-2017, 05:34 AM	#2
Loub52 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Meredith, NH Posts: 221 Thanks: 214 Thanked 53 Times in 43 Posts	Off topic, but a reminder that zebra mussels and other invasive species thrive in Lake Champlain: https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.o...ecies-in-lake/ __________________ Thanks, Loub52

05-19-2017, 06:07 AM	#3
winniskier Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Please be careful I hope that all of us, particularly those who love Winnipesaukee, are extra careful when it comes to zebra mussels and other invasive species. Sorry if I sound preachy, but when I see a round trip to Lake Champlain, I feel the need to speak up.

05-19-2017, 06:46 AM	#4
Rattletrap Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Sandown/Gilford Posts: 189 Thanks: 80 Thanked 67 Times in 26 Posts	You should tow it with the motor trimmed down as far as you can(leaving room for your skeg if you hit a bump and the trailer suspension flexes. This will take the stress off the transom and trim. If you have a gas shut off i would recommend shutting the fuel off also. Make sure anything that could fly out during your trip even seat cushions are stowed away. I have buddies tell me that heavy seat cushions were missing when they got to their destination. __________________ Captain of the "Day Tripper II" .......There are a lot better people a lot worse off!!

05-19-2017, 07:47 AM	#5
Top-Water Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 674 Thanks: 1,535 Thanked 714 Times in 431 Posts	For long distance towing these are pretty much mandatory. The transom tie downs secure your boat hull to the trailer and pull it down tight to the trailer bunks and keep it from bouncing on the trailer and stressing the hull, combined with a transom saver that takes (some) of the weight of the motor and transfers it to the boat trailer. These two items used together properly represent the very best way to tow your boat over long distances. Ratchet Transom Tie-Downs Transom Saver (some) Some of the better brands of transom savers are spring loaded. You only want to have this item under a moderate load, meaning just enough to take the some of the weight of the outboard motor and transfer it to the trailer. A few other tips, put the outboard motor in gear, either (forward or reverse) the properer should never be spinning from the wind pressure pushing against it. The inner seals are lubricated with gear case oil. The outer seals somewhat depend on water to help keep them lubricated. It might look cool as your going down the road with a spinning propeller but it's actually damaging the outer propeller shaft seal if it spins and is not getting water splashed on it once in a while. Don't forget to check tire pressure too, often overlooked. Long trips can really do a lot of damage to boat trailer tires if they are under inflated. Don't assume they should be at 35psi. On the side of the tire there should be information on what the correct tire pressure should be. On my trailers they are supposed to be at 50 psi and it always seems a little weird putting that much on them, but that is what they are supposed to have to keep them from over heating. Check the wheel bearings too, a few shots of fresh grease on them is always a good idea. Last edited by Top-Water; 05-19-2017 at 08:29 AM.

05-19-2017, 07:58 AM	#6
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	I did this about 20 years ago with a similar rig. I put a tie-down across the bow as well as the stern. (Using dock lines for this will work as well.) I used a 'transom saver' but some folks are comfortable adding a wood block or 2X4 between the shaft and the transom. Just make sure it's secured with more than just pressure. Bring passports in case you decide to pop-over the line. There is/was a customs barge operated by Canada where you can check-in. Their safety equipment needs are close to ours but a 'throw-bag' is mandatory. If you have an unlicensed VHF, they will issue you a temporary license unless you declare you will only use it in an emergency. Try to get a chart in advance. The campground I stayed at only had a fishing map. At my first gas-stop I got all 3 chart sections but (IMO) the fishing map had the same depths and buoys plus fishing spots so I could have gotten by with that. There is a lot less to do shore-side than Winni but you're there for the water so who cares, right?

05-19-2017, 02:17 PM	#7
salty dog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Beverly Cove, Ma Posts: 359 Thanks: 288 Thanked 148 Times in 82 Posts	Bearings and spare Like-Top water said " Check the wheel bearings too, a few shots of fresh grease on them is always a good idea." I can't stress that enough (from experience). A bearing going bad on a long trip can ruin things in a hurry. Also it's really good to have a spare tire/wheel (also from experience). Back in the days when we towed the boat back home here in Beverly, a one and a half hour trip turned into about 5 because I had no spare. Have a great trip; Champlain is a beautiful lake. __________________ I'd rather be relax'n at Winnipesaukee

05-19-2017, 02:33 PM	#8
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,871 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 892 Times in 524 Posts	Check your engine, but generally the is a small lever that you flop into place, and allows the engine to rest on, that will take the pressure of off the hydrolic trim ram..... My father had a Tower of Power for 30 years, on a boat that we trailered all over the place.... we never needed one of those fancy Transom savers to take the relieve some of the wait... Disclaimer...... Things may have changed.... Engines have gotten heavier etc..... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

05-20-2017, 05:42 PM	#10
kawishiwi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 519 Thanks: 227 Thanked 167 Times in 108 Posts	Many thanks Many thanks to all who responded & special regards to Top-Water for going above & beyond in his responses. As for Zebra mussels our plan is to trailer the boat the night before we leave & drain all water from the boat and police vegatation remains. On our way home we'll hit a car wash stall and hit it hard with a hot water wash and a second examination.

06-09-2017, 08:17 PM	#11
kawishiwi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 519 Thanks: 227 Thanked 167 Times in 108 Posts	Alls well that ends well Sucessfully completed our Champlain trip without mishap towing or otherwise. For those worried about invasive species we hot washed the boat at a car wash and the boat has been sitting dry for a week before going into the lake. Did find out that mice will nest in trailers and chew wiring. Oh, the fishing was unbeleivably great. This was our opening double header... Last edited by kawishiwi; 06-09-2017 at 08:34 PM. Reason: Fix pic

06-11-2017, 08:47 AM	#12
noreast Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 648 Thanks: 316 Thanked 120 Times in 93 Posts	Awesome... I would have given a thumbs up but mine aren't there anymore. Did I miss something?

06-11-2017, 07:43 PM	#13
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,351 Thanks: 1,342 Thanked 1,623 Times in 1,055 Posts	Cdd Thanks for the extra effort on the Clean, drain, dry. There's a lot of risk in Champlain. You are a great example of the way to do it right.