Transom Saver with a Jack Plate on

[Diago]

I need some advise, I just purchased a Ranger 617 with a 150Yamaha on it and a Bob's Jack Plate. Should I put a transom saver on when I am trailoring the boat? it seems like it would not help with the Jack plate on the transom.

Thanks for the Advise! Jim

[delmuts]

diago. i would still put a saver on it. i have a 4 or 6in.(not sure which) jack plate on my 88 364. i feel it is just good insurance. del

[Steve Bakken]

We see so many transom jobs come into our shop that could have been avoided or at least delayed by using a transom saver. You didn't happen to mention if you bought the boat new or used, but if it's used, once that wood in the transom starts to soften, it really weakens the whole back end of the boat. Even on a brand new boat, it's a good idea. All that flexing from bouncing down the highway will still stress and weaken the transom. Naturally, we're more than willing to repair it once the damage is done, but I'd rather see you prevent the damage to begin with.

------------------
Steve @ Bakken's Boat Shop www.bakkensboatshop.com

[Diago]

Hi Steve:

Thanks for the reply, the boat I have is new and the transom is all fiberglass. Do you still recomend a saver. If so what kind of saver should I get, one one that attaches to the trailor, or that fits on the mounting plate.

Jim

[Surface Tension]

Transom saver will take stress off the transom and the jack plate. If you anchor it to the trailer be darn sure your boat isn't bouncing at all because if it is your doing far more harm then no with no transom saver.

[Steve Bakken]

I would still recommend using one. Even on a new fiberglass boat, we have seen where the wood which is laminated between the fiberglass in the transom has flexed enough to put stress cracks in the 'glass.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both kinds of savers. The ones that mount to the trailer reduce the stress on the transom better, but Surface Tension is right. You want to have a very good tie-down system in the back of your boat so it is very snug and solid on the trailer and can't bounce around on it.

------------------
Steve @ Bakken's Boat Shop www.bakkensboatshop.com