Transom Splash Guard Installation

One of the best aspects of owning a tiller boat is the ability to do backtrolling. Taking advantage of the wind and waves to slow your speed with the transom of the boat is pretty essential when it comes to walleye fishing. Even if you’re not backtrolling, you may occasionally have to reverse at high speeds into the waves. Being soaked while fishing is never pleasant.

In this post, I will discuss the process of how I installed my splash guards. It’s not a difficult process and I’m pleased with the way my installation turned out.

Obtaining Splash Guards

For myself I simply ordered them from Whitecap Manufacturing, a company based in Minnesota. We don’t really have any local manufacturers up in Manitoba as far as I know. I will say they are not extremely cheap, mine were over $300 USD after shipping and taxes with no special customization. It was pretty easy dealing with them though, all I needed to do was describe my boat and provide measurements. When they arrived, all the hardware was included with clear instructions.

One thing that was important for me was the fact that the guards were removable. They are a bit of a hassle when trailering and storing so being able to remove them is quite useful.

If I had transom accessories shallow water anchors or additional motors, they would be able to provide customization as well. However I don’t use any of those and I do not plan to get any at all.

DIY Splash Guards

There are definitely ways to make your own as they are not too complex. There are quite a few tutorials out there that show you how to build them.

I contemplated it for a bit but I decided I wasn’t an expert at building things. I had no experience working with plastic. To source all the material would take quite a bit of time as well. The final product wouldn’t really look nice at all. So I decided it was better to simply buy prefabricated ones as with my lack expertise, it wouldn’t be a cost savings at all.

Installation

Installation is pretty simple in general. The instructions really help guide you throughout the process. There aren’t any complicated tools involved, just some drill bits, screwdrivers and a leveler is all that is needed. I was able to finish the whole project within an evening.

One thing that is recommended is to have some sort of sealant. I like to put a dab of marine adhesive onto the screws that get drilled into the transom.

As with any assembly process, make sure that you mark exactly where the splash guards should be mounted. The bend in the guards should be at the same height as the gunwales. Tilt your motor up and turn it left and right. Under no circumstances should the motor be touching the plastic parts. The rubber flaps should lightly touch both sides of the motor when pointed straight so that almost no water can get in. I will say that there are no concerns with the rubber flaps causing scratches to the outboard at all. Use the leveler on the mounting brackets to make sure your guards will be perfectly level.

I personally used this video from Uncut Angling to get an idea of how to mount the splash guards. It’s very much worth the watch.

Final Words

If you’re a tiller user, seriously consider installing splash guards onto your boat. After all, if you own a tiller you must be using it to backtroll. Otherwise, why would you be owning a tiller boat in the first place.

I will say that they have been a pretty useful asset in my walleye fishing and were totally worth the investment. Rather than having to wear full rain gear on a hot sunny windy day, I can now relax a bit more and not have any fear of getting wet. Being comfortable means being able to think efficiently which means more fish in the boat.