Thread: Skeg clearance when trailering?

I really don't know but don't forget to figure in tire bounce. On the other hand there's a lot of cars running around here with less clearance.

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Originally Posted by Pithon

I really don't know but don't forget to figure in tire bounce. On the other hand there's a lot of cars running around here with less clearance.

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Yeah, we got them around here, too. And we've got dozens of grooves in the asphalt out in front of the driveways to prove it.

railroad crossings, gravel roads and some boat ramps would make me cringe a little .

Typically on the cars all that will scrap is the vinyl bumper surround, with little noticeable damage. Not the case on your nice tiller, one bounce too much or judgement error and it's going to get into your wallet quick. Is larger tires and option to give you more clearance? Good job of posting this question first rather than posting about a costly one later.

I have two jon boats with 9.9's on them ...I quit using transom savers probably ten years ago on them. They both have about 10" clearance . Have hauled them thousands of miles over all kinds of roads. Only thing you have to watch is any condition where the road rises sharply out of a dip where you wheels drop in the dip and the road rises really sharply out of the dip...or dropping off like a curb or something. Other than that no problem. But then that same condition can get some motors on a transom saver depending on the exact setup.

The roads and ramps here in Ms. I would not want my motor only 10" from the ground. I had my 15 on shallow drive and backing down a ramp into the Ms River. The trailer hit a bump and it dropped off tilt and hung and pulled the bolts through the transom. I have had a transom saver ever since.

The reason for using a transom saver is it’s name. Save your transom from the flexing it goes through with motor down or up on the factory tilt bracket. Have someone drive your rig down the road with motor down and follow it. Watch how the transom will flex on bumps.


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Originally Posted by Cray

The reason for using a transom saver is it’s name. Save your transom from the flexing it goes through with motor down or up on the factory tilt bracket. Have someone drive your rig down the road with motor down and follow it. Watch how the transom will flex on bumps.


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I agree with Cray. I see boats on the highways, Interstates, and Parkways with their motors hanging straight down ... and unless they have some form of straps or something holding the motor in place, then it's flopping around side to side or bouncing when the boat goes over a rough patch of road. Boat trailers don't have shock absorbers, just leaf springs, and every little pothole or "bump" in the road is going to transfer that motion energy to the motor and transom if it's not stabilized by something. The best "something" is a transom saver.

I've had 3 boats, with motors from 50hp to 90hp, and on both types of boat trailers (reg height & low profile). I've always had a transom saver on !! It takes less than 30sec's to put it on or take it off, plus it forces me to look at the "plug" to make sure it's in before launching & out before trailering home. Well, that and my retractable transom tie-down straps.

10" of ground clearance "may be" enough ... but, the only way you're going to find out that it ISN'T is when the skeg meets the road.