Outboard Motor Support Bracket up to 150HP – Telescopic Transom Saver (50–80 cm)

This telescopic outboard motor support (often called a “transom saver”) is an essential accessory for anyone trailering a boat, especially over long distances or rough roads. Its primary role is to brace your outboard engine and transfer the engine’s weight and jarring road impacts to the trailer frame, rather than letting the boat’s transom bear all the stress. By doing so, it greatly reduces the risk of transom damage – no more worry about the fiberglass cracking or the engine’s mounting bolts pulling through due to bouncing. Both your boat and your engine will thank you, as this support can extend the life of the transom and maintain the integrity of your outboard’s mounting.

The support is built from heavy-wall steel tubing and features an integrated spring coil shock absorber. The spring is located in the mid-section and compresses slightly with road bumps – instead of a hard jolt transmitting directly from the trailer to the engine (and transom), the spring dampens it. The entire metal assembly is coated with an EDC anti-corrosion finish (Electro-Deposition Coating) which shields the steel from rust, even with frequent dunking in water during launch/retrieval and constant exposure to road salt, grit, and moisture. This is particularly important because the support rides low, near the road, where it gets splashed. You can trust it to hold up season after season of use.

The design is universal and cleverly simple: one end has a U-shaped bracket that hooks over a crossbar or frame member of your trailer (often just above a rear roller or bunk, under the boat’s stern). The other end has a V-shaped cradle with rubber bumpers – this end rests under the lower unit of your outboard (typically snug against the lower unit just above the skeg or around the anti-cavitation plate). The rubber pads prevent slippage and protect your engine’s finish from scratches. To further secure the setup, the kit includes a rubber tie-down strap with hooks, which you wrap around the outboard and hook onto the support, effectively strapping the engine’s lower unit to the support arm. This ensures that the engine and support move together as one, eliminating any chance of the motor coming off the support if you hit a big bump.

The length of the support is adjustable thanks to its telescoping design. Via a simple locking screw or pin mechanism, you can set the length anywhere from about 520 mm to 780 mm (20.5" to 30.7"). This range accommodates a variety of boat-trailer configurations – whether your boat sits high or low on the trailer, or your outboard is mounted higher or lower, you can dial in the perfect length. When not in use, the support collapses down for easy storage; you can tuck it in your vehicle’s trunk or in the boat itself. It’s compact but mighty.

Usage and Recommendations:

• Transom Protection: Modern outboards, especially 4-strokes, can be very heavy – a 150 HP outboard often weighs 400 lbs (180+ kg). During transport, each bump can make that weight bounce and exert enormous leverage on the transom (like a pry bar). Using a transom saver brace like this channels those forces to the trailer. It’s highly recommended for engines above roughly 50 HP and absolutely for large motors 100 HP, 150 HP and up. This model is rated for engines up to 150 HP, which covers a wide range of popular outboards. (For even larger engines or twins, sometimes dual supports or heavier models are used.) Even if your engine is smaller, using a support is cheap insurance – it not only protects the boat, but also the engine’s own tilt lock mechanism from undue stress.
• Easy Installation: To install, first tilt your outboard motor into the raised (trailering) position. Hook the U-end of the support over a secure point on the trailer frame or rear cross-member (some trailers even have a designated notch or hole for this). Then rest the V-end under the outboard’s lower unit. Adjust the length so that the support fits snugly between the trailer and the motor; you’ll usually compress the spring slightly, indicating a firm fit. Attach the provided rubber strap: hook one end onto the support arm, stretch the strap over the top of the outboard’s lower unit or around the tilt bracket, and hook the other end to the support. The engine is now effectively “tied” to the trailer. Double-check that the motor is secure and the support can’t slip out – everything should feel solid. The entire process only takes a minute once you get used to it.
• Safer Trailering: With the support properly in place, you’ll likely notice your engine wobbling much less in the rearview mirror. The boat and trailer will handle road shocks better, too, since the weight is more integrated into the trailer’s suspension. This not only prevents potential structural damage; it can also protect your engine’s steering system and transom bracket by reducing repetitive movement. In extreme cases without a support, heavy outboards have been known to stress-crack transoms or even bounce off the tilt locks – the last thing you want is your engine shifting or, worst-case, dropping during transit. This bracket virtually eliminates such nightmares, keeping your motor safe and stable.
• Storage & Maintenance: When you arrive at the ramp to launch, remember to remove the support before lowering your outboard (the bright-colored strap usually serves as a visual reminder!). Collapse the support to its shortest length for storage. It’s a good habit to rinse the support with fresh water after dunking in saltwater or driving on salted roads, preserving the protective finish and springs. Inspect the rubber pads and strap periodically; they may wear over time but are generally easy to replace or find spares. If the rubber pads start to crack or lose elasticity, replace them to maintain a cushioned, non-slip contact with your motor. By taking these small steps, your transom saver will continue to perform reliably for many boating seasons. Using this support every time you trailer is a small effort that yields big peace of mind – safeguarding your boat’s transom and your valuable outboard investment.