l have a 8Hp 4 stroke Mercury outboard on a 14' V bottom Jon,. Is it absolutely necessary to have a transom saver? This is a older boat with a new motor, l have owned several boats mostly inboard and inboard/outboard. this is the first out board. Thank you in advance.
Thank you. Yes the boat is old but in very solid shape Max recommended Hp is 35. l think that is a lot for such a small boat. The 8 Hp is only maybe 85lbs,

l do not think so with an 8 hp motor. you could it you want.

no if the transom is in good condition you dont need it

the most best way to trailer a motor is in the full down position, but only if you have plenty of clearance under the skeg.

If you must raise the motor, you will want to support it in some fashion, not for the sake of the transom, but in case the built in lock mechanism let is go when you, say, cross a RR track or bounce over a curb (not that I've ever done that), you do not want it slamming down.

On an 8hp, no not necessary. What l would look at closely is: can the boat travel on it is trailer with the engine straight up & down, & still have plenty of clearance to ply our asphalt highways?

The 8 hp is relatively light, but as u told us the boat is older, & l am thinking about how much abuse that old transom can take. With the engine straight up & down, it has always seemed to me the engine does not bounce as hard on the transom.

Have fun, & a good summer.