Transom Saver vs Motor Tote

[RLFishing]

Hello,

I have searched a bit and cant find a 100% answer. Buying an RT198p and the trailer mounted transom saver comes with it which I always thought of as 100% needed because of aluminum boat etc. But the dealer says that something like the DD26 Motor Tote will work just fine, So here I am asking the opinions of actual aluminum boat owners, what do you all think?

Also I did search the forum and unless my search terms are wrong i cant find this being discussed.

Thanks
Rich

[06 SB]

It gets discussed monthly. Both have their advantages and draw backs. Pick one and use it. Either will work. Modern day transoms are strong and do not need "saving." The transom gets waaaay more abuse going down the lake.

[RLFishing]

I must have searched the wrong terms didn't see any posts. TY for your input.

[Rebelkris76]

I have a DD26 on my RT198 and will never have anything else. Folks complain about the cost - and I get it - but it is worth every penny...

[Fireball]

I have never used a transom saver in over 40 years of owning/towing aluminum boats. When I traded in my 30 year old Grumman for a much larger boat I asked my friend who owns the marina I bought the boat from if I need a transom saver with this 115 hp outboard. He said no, they do more damage than they help because they transfer all those road bumps into the lower unit of the motor. And since my ETEC comes with a built in trailering bracket I took his advice and still don't use a "Transom Saver".

BTW I have never heard of any boat owner complain they needed to have their transom repaired/replaced because they didn't use a transom saver. All I have ever heard of is rotten transoms that needed to be replaced and those boats were mostly Lunds.

[n2ratfishin]

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/moto...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

I've always used this on my 2017 RT188.

[Johnnyred]

In the unlikely event that your tilt/trim hydraulics fail, you will be glad you had a product of your choice in place to keep the lower unit off the pavement assuming it can reach. Otherwise, I use the stick that came with my RT198p with no complaints.

[Woody b]

My opinion is you just need something to keep the weight of the motor off the hydraulics. My boat came with the "stick" that goes from the trailer to the motor. If something were to happen to this stick I'd make a motor tote type deal out of wood.

[FrancoCialone]

I have had both and now use a Motormate, so much easier to install and much better for securing the motor.

[Coastal Mountaineer]

Another vote for the DD26. Solid construction, convenient to store on the boat before launch, and, after using it a few times, it goes in place easily and quickly.

[King_Fish]

Get a MotorMate

[Macsimus]

It gets discussed monthly. Both have their advantages and draw backs. Pick one and use it. Either will work. Modern day transoms are strong and do not need "saving." The transom gets waaaay more abuse going down the lake.

+1

[King_Fish]

+1

+2

[GeauxTide]

I got a Motor Mate and it's been excellent. My dealer advised no trailer to transom sticks because they had some lower unit issues.