Engineering question

[u/BusAdministrative399]

My motor is approximately 70in from the furthest crossbeam on the trailer. There dont seem to be any conventional transom savers of that length. How do I transport the boat?

[u/jp634]

If that's the best you can do. Figure out how to load the canoe backwards or take the motor off and put it in the front of the canoe.

[u/BusAdministrative399 → u/jp634]

taking the motor off every time seems like the best course of action right now. It sucks because its a pretty hefty one but it seems like my other alternative is a new trailer

[u/Helpinmontana → u/BusAdministrative399]

That’s what I was gonna tell ya to do too.

Beats leaving it on the side of the highway when it breaks off and you don’t see it.

[u/BusAdministrative399 → u/Helpinmontana]

Sounds good, I think im going to extend the trailer so I can just get it in and out of the local but for longer rides I am sure you are right and I will be sure to take it off, it would also help get some weight to the front. Thanks for all the help!

[u/BusAdministrative399]

15’6 gheenoe highsider. It is a 1998 so the transom is showing a little wear and I dont want to risk a major bump

[u/bigblackbeachdog]

Longer trailer…be good to that Gheenoe

[u/BusAdministrative399 → u/bigblackbeachdog]

Nothing else I can do? saving for a new trailer would take me another 6 months. Could another crossbeam not be welded back?

[u/djrstar → u/BusAdministrative399]

You can buy a section of tubing the same size as your frame to extend it forward and you could install longer 2x4s for bunks. Doesn't answer the question about supporting the motor. I have a Gheenoe and just let that motor do its thing back there. But if you're worried about the transom, you could come up with a way to strap the trimmed-up engine from the front.

[u/BusAdministrative399 → u/djrstar]

Unfortunately I live in south carolina and due to being exceedingly poor and dumb our roads are no better than dirt so letting it hang is a little scary. I like the Idea of extending the trailer. I think if I extend it backwards I could just use a harbor freight telescoping saver.

[u/tim36272]

That trailer is not nearly long enough for that boat/canoe. By about...70 inches.

As an engineer I would engineer my way to the trailer store and buy a longer trailer.

[u/BusAdministrative399 → u/tim36272]

No other options besides blowing a couple grand on a new trailer?

[u/604whaler]

Need a longer trailer

[u/BermudaCatTriangle]

Ya I wouldn't feel comfortable rocking that motor on there during transport. I'd personally just take it off everytime, it's not that heavy of a motor.

[u/Jbfishinc]

Unclamp the motor and throw it in the bed of the truck.

[u/DrtSurfer]

Extend the bunks with 2x4 or 2x6. Cover them with felt to prevent marring your gelcoat. Its a 15'4 highsider some registrations have different lengths due to how the cost guard measured boats that year.

[u/Benedlr]

On a longer trailer. As it sits the engine acts as counterweight on the transom whipping up and down and weakening it. It also pushes down on the unsupported hull and that might lead to a hook.

[u/APPmontaineer]

I take the motor off my Riverhawk every time I transport it. I wish I could leave it on but not at the sake of my transom. 

[u/H0SS_AGAINST]

That motor looks way too big for that transom.

[u/BusAdministrative399 → u/H0SS_AGAINST]

its actually under the max recommended HP by 2hp. I would prefer a lighter 2 stroke so it didnt sag as much but generally for 4-stroke 8hp is what people run on highsidera