Traveler2586

What kind of material, and boat. I had a ripped out lid support fitting under a lid, called Ranger, and they sent me a fiberglass sheet and some black glue; they told me to sand the location flat and how to glue the plate in place; problem solved. I also have an additional casting deck in between my two consoles; the deck has a bunch of "spider cracks" in it that weaken the deck; Ranger says that they can supply a plate to fit under the deck to reinforce it; that will be a spring time project. So.... Bottom line... You can get the materials and repair it yourself.

There was no damage to the roller or the roller shaft so I would think the upward movement of the lower unit pulled the TS off the roller; and it was the lower tang on the fork that broke, I suspect from digging into the roadway. But I don't positively know.

Nitro, That takes years of practice. Charlie, Posted Today,02:05 AM??? Looks like you can't sleep either do you have a link to the VDGIF fisheries biologist data?

"So basically if the boat is securely anchored to the trailer (tie downs straps for the bow and stern) and using a solid support from trailer to the lower unit , you can reduce the rocking force on transom, but with a spring loaded transom saver you are only allow the rocking to happen, correct?" IMHO, one would think so, so I'm starting to question the use of one in my mind. But let me say I'm am not a mechanical engineer. Here's a case in point on the forces involved. Last year I was on my way down to Lake Guntersville, AL. I would do a walk-around of my rig at each rest/fuel stop which included checking the boat tie downs and the transom saver to insure everything was snug. While going through Knoxville, TN. I went on a section of elevated roadway that was very uneven; it created undulations in my rig that felt like I was riding a bucking bronco. Next thing I know a motorist pulls alongside and indicates I have a problem with my trailer, so I pull over to find my transom saver had come off the roller, drug on the roads surface, and broken the lower tang of the fork. That means the lower unit traveled at least three inches for the fork to clear the roller. This could only be a result of the motor rocking and lifting the transom saver off of the roller. So now I use a safety strap on the transom saver that runs from one side of the fork around the frame member to the other side of the fork; hopefully that will prevent a similar incident in the future. The problem is, it’s a pain in the arse to put on while the boats live wells are draining. Bottom line…. IMHO, I don’t think any of the devices currently on the market can prevent motor rocking, they may dampen it to some extent but not eliminate it, there’s just too much weight in the power head, and the rubber lower unit safety strap on a transom saver will give way - it’s only designed to keep the saver attached to the lower unit; and the wedge devices transfer the full force of the rocking into the transom rather than dividing the motors weight between the transom and the trailers frame. Edit to add pic

START QUOTE: "What precautions should I take when trailering my outboard powered boat with the engine attached?" [ I believe they are refering to the smaller motors ] "Trailer your boat with the outboard tilted down (vertical operating position). Shift the outboard to forward gear. This prevents the propeller from spinning freely. If additional ground clearance is required, the outboard should be tilted up using an accessory outboard support device. Refer to your local dealer for recommendations. Additional clearance may be required for railroad crossings, driveways and trailer bouncing. IMPORTANT: Do not rely on the power trim/tilt system or tilt support lever to maintain proper ground clearance for trailering. The outboard tilt support lever is not intended to support the outboard for trailering." END QUOTE: Years ago I came across a video on an engineering website that was done under contract to a saltwater boat manufacture. The purpose of the slow motion study was to gain an understanding of the impacts the new larger engines have on transoms, on the water (load forces) and off the water (free forces); the results of the study were to be used in new craft transom design. The engineering firm placed sensors at key points on the transom mount (I think it was two at top and two at the bottom of the mount between the mount and the transom) to study the toque of the motor while pushing a boat, and while being towed. They simulated road bounce by hydraulics that was not shown in the video; and did both on the water & on the road studies that were not filmed (or shown). As I’ve said it’s been years since I saw this video, but the main point that I recall was that small, sharp, vibrations were not a “big” problem for the motor or the transom, the big problem is the free load toque of the motor on the mounts when towed on roads that undulated the trailer up & down quickly. Some of the energy of the undulations was absorbed by the trailer tires and trailer springs, the rest was fed to the trailer, boat and motor. With the motor tilted forward, and unbalanced, the undulations created a rocking force, top-to-bottom, at the top motor pivot point and transom; this translated into a rocking force that was translated via the hydraulic lifts to the lower half of the motor mount and into the lower transom. This free force action was deemed different from the load force imparted on the transom while “wave skipping”. In the conclusions of the video the engineer stated that a support (transom-saver) firmly mounted to the trailer frame and under support pressure of the lower unit was recommended for transport to prevent the free load rocking force; the support would divide the load of the motor between the transom and the trailer. Recalling the above, I now question my new spring loaded transom saver that rests on a trailer roller which has a 5/8” mounting shaft; that doesn’t strike me as a solid support.

X2, don't know why others didn't take pic's, even cell phone pic's would work.

Ed and I at the 1990 Bass Master Classic in Richmond. Ed got me started in bass fishing in the mid 80's.

Exercising the engine yesterday did show me a small problem which I took as fuel related. On my first hole shot I found the engine was running rough and the alarm sounded. This continued until I put the engine into neutral. My second attempt at a hole shot gave the same results, so I sat in place and ran the throttle up until I hit 4K RPM's; in about 15 - 20 sec. the engine smoothed out and ran fine for the rest of the day. So, bottom line is it may have been a fuel issue, but it was also a reminder that it's time to have the engine checked out, the water pump impeller replaced, lower unit changed, etc. Better to be safe than sorry, I could have easily been the one being towed rather than the one doing the towing.

Welcome to the forum, enjoy.

The wife & I

OK, southern Maryland got a 60 deg day today so I decided to exercises the boat and check out the river temps. Due to other requirements I didn't hit the launch at Sweden Point until 14:00L on a low tide, and I had to break ice to launch at that. Water temp at the dock was a steady 39 deg with ice hanging just around the launch area and docks. Moving out to the main channel of the Mattawoman saw temps climb to 46 deg, and that held while heading out to the main channel of the Potomac. Turning south, I set Aquia Creek as my destination and chose the VA side of the Potomac to reverify something I've seen over the years. Generally, depending on wind direction, between the Mattawoman and Aquia the VA side of the river has been colder than the Maryland shore, and today was no exception; with a average temp of 45.5, with low spots of 44 deg.s and a high spot of 47. Aquia Creek was a steady 46 deg. up to the train bridge. On the return trip I chose the Maryland side of the river and found temps of 54.5 at Mallows Bay and Blue Banks, but generally the run was a steady 52.0 deg.s On a side note, the wind was down and therefore the river was soft and flat; I was the only one on the main river. I did run across a boater in distress in Aquia Creek, his I/O was over heating and he was letting it cool before making another attempt to reach his launch; a quick tow and he was at the dock. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a good day also, I hope to get a line wet.

Ya, out of the whole tank only two fish were up forward, the rest were at the rear holding just above the water intake to the circulation system. There were artificial clumps of SAV and stumps, but the bass weren't interested, don't think they liked the plastic. Holding above the water intake is like the response you see on the river where they let the current bring the food to them.

Isn't that a yawn? When we yawn we draw in air to increase O2 in the blood.. Come to think of it, I did see the gill plat open a little after the mouth closed.

OK, so here I am setting front row center at the Richmond Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo on Sunday; I had taken my seat early for the 3:00 seminar by Rick Morris on “swimbaits done right”. Before me is the casting tank with a good number of Bass suspended at one end. I’m kind of just staring at the tank killing time when I see a Bass slowly open it’s mouth wide and then slowly close it again; and I think to myself “ha, that Bass just yawned”; then I think “no way - fish don’t yawn”. Then, a minute later the Bass did it again; and I think “that really looked like a yawn”. Then a couple minutes later the fish did it a third time. What the hay, is this for real?? Or is the fish just bored being on display in an aquarium that’s mounted on wheels? Do fish yawn??? Bass top left yawning.... And with all the room in this tank, look at where all the Bass are...... My kind of aquarium

Never Choke in a Restaurant in KY! Two hillbillies walk into a restaurant. While having a bite to eat, they talk about their moonshine operation. Suddenly, a woman at a nearby table, who is eating a sandwich, begins to cough. After a minute or so, it becomes apparent that she is in real distress. One of the hillbillies looks at her and says, 'Kin ya swallar?' The woman shakes her head no. Then he asks, 'Kin ya breathe?' The woman begins to turn blue and shakes her head no. The hillbilly walks over to the woman, lifts up her dress, yanks down her drawers and quickly gives her right butt cheek a lick with his tongue. The woman is so shocked that she has a violent spasm and the obstruction flies out of her mouth. As she begins to breathe again, the hillbilly walks slowly back to his table. His partner says, 'Ya know, I'd heerd of that there 'Hind Lick Maneuver' but I ain't niver seed nobody do it!'

Congratulations on your outcome. Do what they tell you and walk as much as you can, for some reason they want the hear bow sounds and have a movement, what's up with that anyways??????

X2 Keep us up to date as best you can, your in my thoughts and prayers.

I enjoy Bill's show, and his blooper, but sometimes I have to think they're staged for the audience; every TV personality has their "thing", M.I. has his rants, Bill has his bloopers; personally, I'd rather watch Bill than M.I.

Try this site: http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/index.htm Tip: Don't rely solely on here-say info on batteries, everyone has a different level of experience/knowledge. From the web site: "Words of caution:Lead-acid batteries contain a diluted sulfuric acid electrolyte, which is a highly corrosive poison and can produce flammable and toxic gasses when recharged and explode if ignited. According to PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA, in 2003 nearly 6,000 U.S. motorists suffered serious eye injuries from working around car batteries. The U.S. Eye Injury Registry reports that it is the third leading cause of eye injuries at home. When working with batteries, wear glasses safety goggles or glasses, have plenty of ventilation, remove your jewelry, and exercise caution. If available, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing, jumping, installing, charging, and maintaining batteries."

Try this little tip, it's just Duct Tape and a two-hole punch. You don't need to remove the bags from the ring.

Do you have to remove the bag from the ring to open it?

OMG,,, Is that while it's still dangling on the hook-and-line.

Your pic reminds me of that guy that wackes the watermelons :0 You need to explain needing your man time to your wife, without it you get all stressed up, and that will affect your health; then you wont be able to work or take care of her needs.... So you have to go fishing or else everything will go down the drain.... :0

I've met Roland many times here in MD, and had a chance to spend some time chatting with him at a B.A.S.S. ProAm on the Potomac. If I recall correctly Roland is a MD born and raised guy, and easy to talk with; he's also no dummy and a good businessman. I didn't care that much for his TV show however, it's like it really wasn't him, but that's TV for you.

Welcome Andrew, enjoy the forum. We'll have to hook up some day, I'm just south of you and launch out of Smallwood State Park on Mattawoman creek. Are you a boater or non-boater?