Trailering Mac 25

[Kyle]

When trailering your Mac, where do you guys store your outboard? My mounting bracket seems too flimsy, my wife and kids don't like gas fumes in the van, and hauling the motor in/out of the cockpit on the trailer is a pain! Got any other ideas?

 

[Chip Giles]

Different ways to do it

I used to take it off the motor mount and put it up in either the V-berth or on the sole of the cabin. The last trip we made to Key West, I left it on the motor mount. The mount was supported by the rope that you pull to raise the motor. It made the trip just fine. In the future, I am going to leave it on the motor mount. I know this in not what most people do, but I think it works well. One note though - when we stay overnight, it is on a military installation. I do not have to worry about someone stealing the motor off of the boat. Good luck.

 

[Doug Rodrigues]

Leave it on the mount.

I have a 56 pound outboard. I leave it on the swing-up motor mount but relieve the weight of the outboard by tying it up to the stern rail. However you do it, ensure that the motor doesn't bounce up and down while towing.

 

[Jim Ward]

Broke mine

We have a Honda 10 hp (weighs about 80 lbs)on our Mac 25. Our first trip out we trailered it with the motor on the boat. Must have been bouncing pretty good back there because it snapped the tiller arm off. Carry the motor in the van now. Might be ok on smooth roads (which are pretty much nonexistant here in Washington).

 

[John Dawson]

engine bracket

I drag mine all the way onto the cabin sole so its weight is slightly tongue heavy. Not sure what model you have but if its a conventional mounting bracket, you might consider going to one that is rated for a larger motor, and reinforcing the hull with a backplate. The bracket for my size engine was pretty wobbly, so I changed brands and size. Use a heavy safety chain, too.