Using Outboard Tansom Brace When Travelling

[Tezza985]

Just bought myself a new Boat with a 15hp Tohatsu. Is it nessessary to brace the motor at the transom when towing, and if so, do you brace with motor up, or down? "Haven't heard much on the subject!

Tezza.

[basserman]

depends how much clearance the motor has when travleing
but if you can saftly travle around with the motor down and it doesn't bounce then there is really no need to have a brace
all the brace is there to to is stop movement on the engien and hence any stress to the transome
;D

[Kev_McC]

I personally wouldn't go anywhere without the transom brace. The approach/departure angles will get you sooner or later unless your leg is well off the ground with a short shaft outboard. I reckon it's also a good idea to let the trailer take some of the weight of the motor, so the transom is not subjected to all of it during the inevitable bouncing on the road. Maybe it's not so important with smaller motors, but I like the peace of mind
cheers

[paz]

i'd most defiantly brace the motor up,,if you think of it,,with a motor hanging just off the transom,,,as you go along it is moving,,bouncing,,and the extra leverage of the leg,,,well it comes all back to your transom,,,and within time,,this will cause the ass of the boat to crack out...not to mention the extra stress on the outboard(clamps etc)
paz

[Tezza985]

Thanks everyone for the info. Going to use the brace on my next trip.

Tezza.