Ask The Experts | How to Install a Portable Outboard

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Quick, Easy and Nearly Fool-Proof
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Small outboards less than about 20 hp are super simple to install, especially if the outboard is a tiller-steer, pull-start model.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]These are general guidelines; please refer to the engine manufacturer's owner's manual for instructions specific to your outboard.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]In the Middle

It's important that you mount the outboard on the centerline of the boat. Some transoms have a dot or discreet mark indicating the center, making the job a lot easier. However; if you're not so lucky, you'll need to determine the transom's center by finding the center of the keel and drawing a line (perpendicular or square to the keel) straight up to the transom.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Or drop a plumb bob from the transom to the keel's center, and mark the transom accordingly. There are several ways to find the center, but none is really difficult.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]On the other hand, if you're simply reinstalling the outboard on your boat, put the engine back where it was last year, and double-check that it's centered on the hull.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If the outboard isn't in the center, the boat could be tough to steer and exhibit strange handling underway.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Turn the Screws

You've centered the outboard on the transom; now tighten the clamp screws to hold the engine on the transom.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Turn the clamp screws in evenly, so the clamping pressure is about the same for both clamp screws. Tighten them as much as you can; ideally the clamp screw handles can fold over and meet in the middle, so you can padlock them together. Locking the handles together prevents the clamp screws from working loose, and deters those who would be inclined to abscond with your outboard.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If your Yamaha outboard has an engine restraint cable attaching point, fasten a cable or chain from the outboard to the inside of the boat to avoid the outboard from parting company with your boat without notice.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Engine Height [/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]With the clamp screws tight, and the engine positioned vertically, check the engine height in relation to the bottom of the boat by placing a straightedge along the keel to the outboard. The anti-ventilation plate should be even with the bottom of the hull or slightly (an inch or so) below the boat's bottom.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]When installing an outboard, you want it deep enough for the water pickups on gearcase to draw in sufficient cooling water for the engine, and the propeller to stay hooked up, but not so low in the water to create excess drag (resistance).[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If the outboard is too high or too low, adjust the its position accordingly, and re-tighten the clamp screws.[/FONT]


[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Additional Security[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Once the outboard is positioned properly on the transom (centered and good engine height), and you are ready to permanently install the outboard, it's time to bolt the engine to the boat. If your outboard has provisions for bolts, the bolt holes should be located towards the bottom of the clamp bracket. We recommend marking the holes, and removing the engine before drilling through the transom.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]After you've drilled the bolt holes, blow out the shavings from the drill bit, and apply marine sealant to the inside of the holes. Re-mount the outboard, snug up the clamp screws (not extremely tight yet), then start the bolts through the transom and the clamp bracket (bolt head on the inside of the boat).[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Verify that the outboard is still centered on the transom, and the engine height is okay, then snug down the clamp screws to max tightness, and torque the transom bolts without crushing the transom.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Use only the bolts that came with your engine, or stainless steel equivalents, including flat washers and lock washers, to keep everything in its place.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Check the clamp screws and transom bolts for tightness after running the boat a few hours (and periodically throughout the season) re-torque as necessary.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Finish the Job[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The outboard is on the boat, now you'll need to connect the fuel line, and do all of your pre-op checks (fuel filters, oil levels, propeller installation, etc.) before you hit the lake.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Don't forget the engine stop switch lanyard and required safety equipment as you're loading your gear.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]NOTE: Loose clamp screws could allow the outboard to fall off or move on the transom, causing loss of control and potential injury. Make sure the clamp screws are tightened securely, and occasionally check the screws for tightness during operation.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]WARNING: Overpowering a boat can cause severe instability. Don't install an outboard with more horsepower than the maximum rating on the boat's capacity plate. If your boat doesn't have a capacity plate, consult the boat manufacturer.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]NOTE: During water testing, check the buoyancy of the boat at rest, with the maximum load in the boat. Check that the static water level on the exhaust housing is low enough to prevent water from waves and wakes entering the powerhead when the engine isn't running.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]CAUTION: Incorrect engine height or obstructions to smooth water flow (design or condition of the boat, boarding ladders, and transducers) can create airborne water spray while underway. This spray could deprive the engine of adequate cooling water, potentially resulting in severe engine damage.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][EDITOR'S NOTE] Find parts for your Yamaha or other brands of outboards or sterndrives at iboats.com.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif] Article courtesy of Yamaha motors. For additional information on Yamaha boating, visit yamahaoutboards.com.[/FONT]