Trailering Motor Support

[Frank C]

I asked the Suzuki outboard dealer why they suggest NOT using that tilt lock on the road. His answer was that it's not designed to absorb road jounce, and the tilt lever's bearing surface is so small that it could crack the aluminum casting. Since that repair would probably be around 3 boatbucks, I decided to cut a 1x2 furring strip to the strategic length.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I typically use a 2X4. I think I've snapped some 1X2's with the tilt on other motors.

[USAF M26X sailor]

I cut some 1 1/2" PVC for my Merc 50 BF and it works fine. Even spray painted it Orange to remember to remove it at the ramp. Well I forgot once and luckily the PVC crushed when I powered the engine down from the helm and didn't cause any other damage. When tilted I also bungee the helm to the mast support pole. If I didn't the extra weight further out from the transom made the motor fair game to flopping hard over at unsuspecting times.

[Moe]

Talk to the flightline maintenance guys about getting one of those Remove Before Flight tags.