When you spend a couple of thousand dollars on a boat you love, the worst thing that could happen is it breaks down while you’re towing it. Fortunately, to counter this, companies have designed some accessories that distribute the weight of the boat on them. One of such accessories is a “transom saver”, it gets attached to the trailer and when you hit a bump it shares the weight of the transom.
Therefore, it avoids damages and dents in the stern of the boat and increases its overall life. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the best transom savers for outboards. So, without further ado let’s dive into it.
Table: Comparing 10 Best Transom Savers – To Guard Your Transom Against Jumps and Bumps
Transom Savers | Material | Adjustable Head | |
|---|---|---|---|
Steel | No | ||
Steel | No | ||
Aluminum | Yes | ||
Aluminum | Yes | ||
Steel | No | ||
Aluminum | Yes | ||
Steel | No | ||
Aluminum | Yes | ||
Aluminum | Yes | ||
Aluminum | Yes |
1. Extreme Max 3001.1068 Adjustable Transom Saver – Mount It In The Way You Want
A decent transom saver should be made of strong material, have some flexibility and easy setup. This saver by Extreme Max ticks all these boxes and this is why is placed amongst the best transom savers available in the market.
You can attach this saver in a couple of ways, either over the mounting bracket or over the roller cradle. For the former one, a roller cradle is available which sits directly over the roller and provides a secure base. In the case of the mounting bracket, you can attach it under the trailer’s rear-most cross-frame.
Either way, be rest assured that your boat is secured and has maximum protection against jerks and bumps on the road.
Extreme Max has put a rubber V-Block at the end. This has to be attached to the boat. Upon attachment, it becomes the lone contact point and prevents the contact of the boat part with metal. Thus, it prevents scratches and harm to the paint job of the rear part of the boat.
Furthermore, in order to hold everything tightly even on the bumpiest roads, extreme max provides you with rubber straps. You can attach it with the V-Block with the outboard to prevent jumping and keeping the boat secure.
The design of the transom saver is versatile and fits virtually all kinds of trailers. Furthermore, it is adjustable to the length of 28-59 inches so you can optimize it accordingly.
- Sturdy construction
- Solid material
- Comes with a rubber strap
- V-block covered with rubber
- Not suitable for motors over 150 HP
2. Extreme Max Straight Transom Saver – Your Companion On The Bumpiest Of Roads
Transom savers that have multi-piece construction often break down in the middle of the road. Usually, it is because of the substandard use of material but sometimes it happens because of flawed design. To counter this, Extreme Max has introduced a straight transom saver with a single-piece construction and solid material.
The material of construction is steel which is best for this kind of accessory. Aluminum may sound fancy but when it comes to supporting weight it lags behind. Steel, on the other hand, is not as good-looking as aluminum but it does a great job at holding weights.
Furthermore, a single-piece design makes it even stronger as it lacks weak welded joints. Therefore, this sort of transom savers is best for holding larger boats and motors. Since it is a highly durable material, you would not have to purchase it again, at least not in the next five to six years.
Apart from that, the V-block has a rubber insert in it to prevent abrasion and scratches on the boat. It blocks the connection between the steel and rear of the boat and prevents the boat from damages. Moreover, the rubber has natural shock-absorbing qualities, so it works great when you hit a bump on the road.
Like other Extreme Max transom savers, it comes with two rubber straps. These straps come in handy when you are about to hit a rough road. You can tie the straps along the V-block and rear of the motor to keep it secure. In this way, the chances of the boat jumping out of the holder would reduce significantly.
- Solid material and sturdy design
- Rubber inserted in V-block
- Two rubber straps are included
- Adjustable length
- Cannot be mounted on a bracket
3. Attwood’s Composite Head Transom Saver – A Head That Can Fit Every Transom
Attwood is one of the leading manufacturers of marine products and has won several awards because of its engineering masterpieces. One of such products is their composite head transom saver.
The material used in its construction is aluminum which is not the strongest of materials if you ask me. However, with the innovative design, Attwood has made it as strong as steel or its other counterparts.
In order to fit the transom saver, you have two straight pipes that go into each other. Therefore, you get a two-layered aluminum pipe which makes it pretty strong. However, in order to get maximum strength, you would have to measure the length of the transom to the trailer precisely.
If you have to stretch the pieces out, it would make it a single layer pipe which does not offer much protection.
However, even in that case, you do not have much to worry about as it comes with two years of replacement warranty. Therefore, even if it breaks down in the given tenure, you can claim it and get a new one.
The head of the saver has a composite design that holds the engine securely in place. In addition, it is equipped with rubber which prevents abrasion and scratches on the boat. Being a shock absorber, it helps the transom when you hit even a huge bump on the road.
- Lightweight construction
- Rugged construction and design
- Composite head to hold motor securely
- Comes with two years of replacement warranty
- Precise measurements are required
4. Attwood SP-436 Heavy Duty Transom Saver – Leave Your Trailing Woes to This
You often find yourself in a situation where you can’t fit the rear of the motor properly in the head of transom savers. Usually, it is because the length of these is adjustable but not the size of the head which is why the rear often pops out. Fortunately, Attwood has designed this transom saver for people who find them in this extraordinary situation.
The head of this heavy-duty transom saver is adjustable because of its innovative and amazing design. All they did is attach two extra pieces within the head that can adjust themselves according to varying sizes.
Furthermore, both of these pieces have two rubbers attached on each side to direct contact with the boat. Therefore, you would not have to worry about the abrasions and scratches they may cause on the boat.
Since the rubbers are not as wide stretched than in other savers, they may not offer much protection against shocks. However, with the flexible/adjustable set of aluminum pieces, they are attached to compensate for it. Thus, in the end, you are getting the same protection as other transom savers despite a different design.
Apart from that, the company has used aluminum with a design to make it two-layered. However, like all of the aluminum transom savers, you would need to get precise measurements for maximum protection.
Furthermore, it gives you the choices of mounting, roller bracket, and mount bracket. It comes with all the accessories you need in both mounting processes. This is what makes it the best transom saver for a bass boat.
It is highly unlikely that the motor would pop out from the head because of its unique design. But, in case you need to make it extra-secure, you would get a solid rubber strap to hold it securely. Moreover, the rubber over the headpieces are replaceable, so you have one less thing to worry about.
- Unique head design
- Durable design
- Replaceable rubbers on head
- No direct contact between boat and transom saver
- Precise and accurate measurement is required
5. Five Oceans Adjustable Motor Support Bracket Saver – Almost Impossible To Break
Transom savers break down because of two major reasons, one being substandard material and the second lack of shock absorbers. Luckily, Five Oceans have brought a transom saver with both of these issues rectified.
The material used in its construction is steel which is highly strong and offers maximum protection. The major issue with steel is that it rusts on continuous exposure to the marine environment. However, the company has countered this problem by painting the saver which consequently increases its life.
Coming back to the shock absorbers, Five Oceans have stepped forward by introducing suspensions like absorbers. They have installed a spring between the pipes that absorb the shock as you hit a bump. Therefore, impact does transfer to the rear of the boat which prevents harm and damages.
The head of the transom saver does not feature any rubber, but it has been made with a plastic-like material. It may not offer as much protection as rubber, but suspension makes up for that. Therefore, you should not worry about the damage it may cause to the rear of the boat.
In addition, it comes with rubber straps to hold the motor firmly in place. The setup of this strap is pretty easy as it comes with pre-installed hooks. Once attached properly, it is highly unlikely that your motor would pop out of it.
Moving on with the setup, it does not give you much of a choice so you have to go with bracket mounting. However, because of the super-solid design, it is something that you can give up.
With the adjustable length, this transom saver ranges from 20 to 31 inches which is suitable for most boats. In case, you have an extraordinary large boat, it would not fit well, so you need to browse other options.
- Sturdy construction
- Solid suspension
- Suitable for the majority of boats
- Resists marine environment
- Does not give mounting choices
6. Invincible Marine Adjustable Transom Saver – Reliable, Durable And Effective
This transom saver falls under the category that comes with adjustable heads. By now you must be aware of how crucial these adjustable heads are for your boat. They not only not hold the rear of the boat securely but also eliminate the need for precise head measurements.
The material used in construction is aluminum which kind of becomes double layered and offers maximum protection. Moreover, it has a unique ability to withstand the marine environment so it would not rust or break down anytime soon.
The adjustable head is the result of two separate pieces in the head of the transform savers. These are attached to the main head via bolts and offer flexibility because of that. Therefore, regardless of the size of your motor, these will hold it securely.
Furthermore, there are two rubber pieces in each of these aluminum pieces. These prevent direct contact of metal with the rear of the boat and prevents damage to the paint job of the boat. In case, these rubbers wear out you can replace them easily with new ones.
The bracket of the transom saver is universal and can adjust itself in several ways. The length of it ranges from 34 to 46 inches, which is suitable for most boats.
Cast aluminum head has both side pads and knee pads for the protection of the lower unit. Therefore, be it a boat, trailer, or the transom saver itself, everything has required protection.
- Adjustable head
- Universal size
- Lower unit protection
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- No shock-absorbing mechanism
7. Panther’s Adjustable Transom Saver – A Saver You Can Count On
While seeing a bent transom saver, the first thing that comes to our mind is, it would break down soon. However, it is not the case with this transom saver because of the material used in its construction. Panther has used steel to construct this saver which is what you need for durability and peace of mind.
Therefore, despite the bend in the center, it is strong enough to share the weight of the transom.
The length of the transom saver is adjustable and ranges from 28 to 59 inches. In case, you do not stretch out much it becomes a double-layered steel pipe which is pretty tough. Therefore, you would not have to worry about the durability of the product.
Adjustable length is one of the selling features of this transom saver. Because of its incredibly long stretch length, it reaches the areas where others do not. You can access trailer crossbars that extend under the boat which is hard with most of the transom saver.
The head of the saver features rubber that prevents direct contact between the saver and the transom of the boat. Due to a lack of metal contact, you would not have to worry about scratches or abrasion it may cause.
Furthermore, the rubber being a natural shock absorber helps a lot when you hit a bump. It absorbs the impact and does not let it transfer to the transom of the boat and prevents damage.
The only way to mount this transom saver is via bracket attachment. Those who want to attach it with a roller cradle would have to look for other options.
- Incredibly long adjustable length
- Solid and rugged material
- Rubber inserted in V-block
- Comes with rubber straps
- No coating to prevent rusting
8. Pactrade Marine Transom Saver – Attractive, Strong, And Adjustable
This transom saver by Pactrade is heavy-duty but despite that has great aesthetics. It would not ruin the overall look of the boat when you’re towing it behind the truck. Therefore, those who are conscious about the look of the boat would be glad to have their hands on this one.
The material used in its construction is aluminum and has a straight design where pieces go into each other. Thus, being a two-layered structure, it offers maximum protection against any sort of turbulence. Aluminum used in saver is anodized which means it does not catch rust.
Furthermore, because of its lightweight, it is easy to carry it around.
The head of the transom saver is adjustable because of two separated pieces inside it. These adjust themselves according to the shape of the transom and hold that securely. Moreover, these pieces have two rubbers inserted in them that prevent direct contact between head and transom.
Therefore, without any kind of contact with metal, the transom of the boat remains intact. The rubbers also play a vital role when you hit the bumps by absorbing the vibrations. Thus, the impact does not travel all the way up to the transom and save it from damages.
Chances of transom popping out of the head are negligible but for extra-conscious people, it comes with rubber straps. You can tie it around the transom and head of the saver via stainless steel hooks.
The overall setup is pretty easy, instead of bolts and screws, it uses a simple pin for adjusting the length. Therefore, it is fairly easy to set up this transom’s saver than its competitors that you find in the market.
The company also provides you with choices to mount it in the way you want. It comes with all the supplies required for both over the roller or bracket mount. This makes it one of the best transom savers for the pontoon boat.
- Adjustable head
- Solid material
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Precise measurements are required
9. SeaSense Adjustable Motor Support Bracket – Companion You Need For Marine Exploration
SeaSense is the known name for the individuals who often find themselves on the water. The company is known for the constant delivery of durable products in the market. They have been around for a very long and holds good repute among fishermen. This transom saver by SeaSense is one example of the fine products company have produced.
The head of the transom saver is adjustable because of the two pieces installed within. On each piece, there are two rubbers attached to avoid direct contact between metal and transom.
Furthermore, these rubbers also work effectively in absorbing the shocks and vibrations. Thus, even if you hit a long bumpy road you would not have to worry about the damages to the boat.
Because of the adjustable nature of the head, almost every transom can fit in securely. In case, it does not, it comes with rubber straps that can be wrapped around. When attached together, chances of transom popping out of the head becomes negligible.
The length of the transom saver is adjustable and ranges from 34 to 46 inches. Furthermore, you would not have to trouble yourself with bolts and screws. All you have to do is to put pins in holes to adjust the size according to the size of the boat. This is why it is one of the best transom savers for small outboards.
The construction material is aluminum with a straight transom design. Therefore, when you do not stretch it out a lot, it becomes double layered and tough to break. Moreover, since it resists corrosion and rust, it is a good material for marine products.
It mounts via a bracket and comes with all the accessories necessary for that. However, those who want to mount with the roller would have to search for other options.
- Adjustable head
- Easy setup
- Strong and durable material
- Replaceable rubbers
- A bit expensive
10. Attwood Heavy-Duty Transom Saver – A Head That You Can Rely On
People who struggle to find the right transom saver for their boat need to get their hands on this one. It has an adjustable length from 32-44 inches but what makes it versatile is the five pinholes. You can fit in the pins to optimize the size needed to hold the transom of the boat.
Furthermore, you would have to fit screws and bolts to hold the transom in place. The pin can be inserted and removed from the holes pretty easily. Thus, setting up this transom saver is not a difficult task.
The material used in the construction is aluminum which is best for this sort of product for several reasons. First, it is a light-weight material so it is easy to carry it around. Second, it resists corrosion and rust the marine environment has to offer. Therefore, it is one of the durable materials you can use to construct these kinds of products.
Although aluminum is not as strong as steel because of its design it offers similar strength. Both the pipes go into each other and make it a two-layered structure. Therefore, the strength of the structure becomes twice that of aluminum.
The Head is the most prominent feature of this transom saver because of its adjustable nature. There are two pieces of aluminum that are present within and adjust themselves according to the transom. Furthermore, each of these pieces has rubbers placed on them to prevent direct contact between metal and boat.
Therefore, you would not get abrasion or scratches on the transom of the boat. These rubbers also do a fine job of absorbing the vibration when you hit a bump on the road. The best part is, even if these rubbers wear out, you can replace these with new ones.
- Durable
- Resists marine water
- Light-weight
- No direct contact with metal
- Expensive than competitors
Ultimate Buyer’s Guide For Best Transom Saver
Boats are expensive and delicate, even a little bump on the road is enough to cause significant damage to them. To counter this, transom savers are available that protect the boat while you are towing it on a road. And when it comes to these, you need to look for several features to choose the perfect transom saver for your boat and trailer. We will try to enlist some of these features here.
1. Material of construction
In order to support the rear of the boat, the transom saver needs to be strong enough. In that case, you need to find yourself a transom saver that is made up of a solid material. The most commonly employed materials in the construction of transom savers are steel and aluminum.
Steel is stronger than aluminum when it comes to supporting the weight of the boat. However, it does not last long because of its inability to withstand the marine environment. Fortunately, you can coat it with several chemicals to make it resistant to this environment.
Aluminum, on the other hand, not only looks pretty but is also light-weight. Furthermore, it resists the corrosions and abrasions offered by the marine environment. However, it is not as strong as steel which can be the cause of concern when the design is not well-thought-out or executed.
2. Design of the Transom Saver
Material is not the only factor that affects the strength of the transom saver, the design also plays a vital role. You would usually find two types of transom savers one with a straight design and the other with a relatively bent one.
The straight one is stronger as an entire pipe or saver shares the weight equally. In the case of bent one, when it is under too much pressure it transfers it to a single point. Therefore, in most cases, it breaks down.
3. Type of Head
Usually, you would find two types of head in transom savers; adjustable and non-adjustable. Those savers with the adjustable head usually have two separate pieces inside the head. In each of these pieces, two rubbers are placed. The size of these rubbers is much smaller than the one you find in the non-adjustable head.
In the case of a simple head, there is a large piece of rubber placed in the V-block of the head. Being a larger piece, this offers much more resistance against shocks and bumps.
4. Suspension or Shock Absorbing Mechanism
Most of the time, transom savers break down because they do not have adequate suspension. Due to lack of suspension, the saver cannot withstand the pressure of the bump or jerk and consequently breaks down.
Most of the transom savers use a big chunk of rubber in V-block for this purpose. Rubber is a natural shock absorber and on the impact, it absorbs unwanted Vibrations. These transom savers work fine when you are driving them on a relatively clear road.
In case, you have to hit the roughest of roads, you would have to switch to other transom savers. These savers have bike-like suspension in them which works efficiently in absorbing the shocks. Usually, you would find a spring in the center of pipes that absorb the shock.
5. Easy Setup
For the accessories that you have to install and remove now and then, you need to make sure it has an easy setup. You do not want to spend hours and hours on setting these up and then hours in removing them.
Usually, you would find two types of adjustable transom savers. One that requires screws and bolts to hold the transom securely. Second, that requires the simple insertion of the pin to optimize the length.
The former one is difficult to set up but offers maximum protection. The later one, on the other hand, provides ease of setup but is not as secure as the former one.
6. Accessories
Transom savers need to have a few accessories to work properly. Therefore, rather than having to buy nuts and bolts and other hardware separately, it would be good if they come with the transom saver. It should have all the components necessary to hold the transom in place. Not all transom savers come with these accessories, therefore you must look for them before making the purchase.
Frequently Asked Question
Conclusion
Ask most boat makers and they will find it hard to admit in public that their boat needs a transom saver. Conversely, ask boaters and chances are they will say they need it. If you are here, you are probably a believer in transom savers.
I personally feel it is better to have some sort of protection than just hoping your transom would last the trip. It also makes more sense if we consider that the transom saver itself is not going to do any harm to our boat. Therefore, it only has goods to add.
In this article, we have tried to enlist some of the best transom savers for different kinds of boats. There is no rocket science in them and you just need to go with the one that has a strong material and practical design.
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