"Motor Toter" or OMC toter?

[Hard Ard]

I purchased a 01 TR21 with a 3.3L 225 H.O. Evinrude motor. I purchased the rig from the original owner and he advised that he had always used the "flip down" OMC motor prop. I didn't give it much thought at the time. I figured if thats what he had been doing for the past 4 years it must be fine. This past Sunday when I got to the boat ramp I fielded yet another question about where was my motor toter and did I understand how much additional stress I was putting on the transom of the boat. I checked the Evinrude owners manuel and it looks like they recomend using the OMC prop. What is the rest of the Evinrude world doing in this situation? Lastly, This is the first OMC motor I have ever had (been Merc's up till now).

[Bassmeister]

Hard, This has been argued before on here, and here is the consensus. It all boils down to what you prefer. OMC /Bomb always suggested the OEM prop, The boat manufacturers referred to the toter!! So it boils down to what you prefer. I haven't heard any boat manu... not honoring warrntys because of the motor's support. Mabye some other guys has some reports!!

[ChampioNman]

Ard,
Like Mike says, it's all up to you, but I use a motor toter. Others prefer to use the trailering bracket. CM

[fastr19]

My dealer told me the trailering bracket on the motor was recommended. He said the company said it was easier on the trim motor.
2004...200 HO

[boogerdoc]

Mine "flat out"(as we say in Arkansas) broke in two on the trip from California to Arkansas from Basscat. I suggest the one from the trailer to the lower unit to back things up. Now my boat sits in the yard of a repair shop after just getting it two weeks ago.

[RUSTY63]

Doc, it must have been loose or something for it to break, this is the first time I have heard of one on the motor breaking.

As posted, its up to you but, try this, put the motor on the OEM bracket trim it down and grab the gearcase, shake it back and forth, now, put the motor on a transom saver, grab the gearcase and shake it, you will see alot more movement with the transom saver.

Again, its up to you which one you use.

[Won Hunglo]

I used to use the flip down bracket. Not any more. I snapped the stainless steel OEM bracket swivel joint thingy so I use only a transom saver now. The flip down OEM bracket did not break but the swivel joint did.

[Kenneth ALBassr]

Your transom will get more stress running on the lake than it will holding your motor up while trailering. I use the bracket and have for many years now.

Kenneth

[Jason Phillips]

I agree. I've had five Johnny/Rudes and always use the 'factory provided' toter. They put it there for a reason. It's easy, convenient, and keeps me from removing something extra from the boat and having to store it somewhere.

[Bronzeback]

I got the same question. OMC says use the toter and Ranger says use the transom saver.. I setup my transom saver to support the engine while the omc bracket is doing the same.. Covers me from both angles. Only use the transom saver on long trips and the omc bracket for around home though..

[nbpbborg]

Ranger suggested using the built in bracket, as did Evinrude.

I use the bracket - It works great. 04 225HO.

[Roddy]

I use the built in bracket. I'd say use which ever you want.

[msj21xd]

i've used the motor flip down bracket on my 21xd bullet for 12 years, now. 1st motor was '03 200 venom & current is '04 225ho. so far, no problems on motor, trailer, transom, etc. i think it all boils down to personal opinion.

[Hard Ard]

Thanks for all the great words of wisdom. I have been using the "flip down" OMC prop just like the original owner did and am very pleased with it. However, I have noticed that by the time I have trailered the boat for say an hour, or longer, the motor starts to tilt to one side. Has anyone else had this problem? I don't think it is hurting anything but it looks kind of "wacky" going down the road and the motor is leaning to one side.

[ZComanche]

I had the same concern about the motor turning sideways. Here is a link for an easy solution. Works great. http://www.thmarine.com/product.cfm?PRID=133 ZC

[Bronzeback]

Slot out a couple of 1" pvc pieces. Cheap and have used for years..

[ZComanche]

That's better yet. Almost Free. ZC

[5-alive]

Well after using the Evinrude bracket for 5 years and never having a problem, I arrived at the ramp to find mine had broke! Rusty, do you have any idea to as how much a new one would be? And is this a job I could do myself? 1999 200 Ficht.

[boogerdoc]

My 2004 ho bracket was warranty work- $98.00 for the part and 0.3 hrs of work-

[Hard Ard]

Thanks again for all the info. I went with bronzeback's suggestion of 1" pvc pipe and it works great.


Modified by Hard Ard at 6:52 PM 6/4/2005