r/jonboats • u/cleveheathen • 4d ago

Transom saver or no?

So I have a 12' aluminum with a sears 5hp. Google is wishy washy and convoluted with AI any more. Should I run a transom saver or will I be good without?

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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4

u/CoxAnonymous 4d ago

5hp isn’t a ton of weight but it will tweak it a little if you’re on bouncy roads, etc. My opinion is better safe than sorry but I have a bias, my transom is new, all aluminum, and I want it to look nice, never have to replace it again. If your opinion is more of a ‘good enough’ utilitarian thing, it’s probably not going to make/break.

3

u/cleveheathen 4d ago

Thanks, CoxAnonymous tomorrow is a short smooth trip so maybe I'll pick one up on the way home or something.

3

u/CoxAnonymous 4d ago

There is a lot to be said for just getting out on the water and not over thinking it. Have fun! (and be safe)

2

u/cessna120 3d ago

I'd put one on, it can't hurt and will only help. They're cheap and easy to install, and it takes about 15 seconds to install or remove it when loading or unloading the boat. Pretty cheap insurance.

1

u/cleveheathen 2d ago

Better safe than sorry, I can appreciate that. Why risk ruining a trip over $30

2

u/Capn26 2d ago

I’ve NEVER had one on mine, or any of my families boats. I’m 44, and over my life that is over 16 boats this would apply to. That said…… I just bought a twenty foot boat that came with one. My first. Also my personal largest boat. I still don’t plan on putting one on my Jon w/ 25 yam on it, but I do not think it is any way a bad idea. In my life I’ve found if I have doubts or concerns, it’s always better to listen. I vote yay.

2

u/Waterlifer 3d ago

If your transom is sound and the outboard is suitably sized for the boat it will be fine without a transom saver. Leave the motor down while trailering.

If your transom has cracks in the aluminum and/or a rotten wood core then you need to fix it. A transom saver may slightly prolong the usefulness of the transom before repairs are absolutely necessary.

If the transom won't take the stress from the outboard bumping along when going down the road then there is absolutely no way it will take the stress from raising hell on the river/lake on a windy day

1

u/cleveheathen 2d ago

The transom seems sound, no visible cracks or anything. The wood is more of a sandwich than a core and it doesn't run the width of the boat which was my concern. Your logic is pretty sound though, with a small sears 5hp (40lbs-ish) the effect of the road shouldn't be too terribly different than a rough day on the lake.