Boat & motor mismatch?

[Delta4]

Hi all, first time boat owner, first time here. I recently picked up cheap an old '68 "sport" boston whaler, which I'll be restoring the hull (in good shape) and console (all new wood needed, fortunately I do have the old wood to make a pattern). I also was able to find an old '61 Johnson Sea Horse 40hp to go with it (almost like new!). My concern is that the whalers stern is 15" and the shaft of the Johnson is 20". Would it be safe to use a Jack Plate? If so what brand, size, etc. I'm trying to keep the cost reasonable, I know that trying to get a different lower unit is probably more expense than it's worth. Also, is this too much HP for the boat and would using a jack plate make it too unstable or dangerous? Any ideas or thoughts would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[DP]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

Go for the jack plate, it will work well. There are several brands available and all work as intended. You could probably get by with a fixed model rather than an adjustable.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

Cook Manufacturing makes a nice manual jack plate for about $150. You may also consider a fixed jacking plate like one from T&H Marine for about $90, if adjustability isn't a concern. They are made specifically for mounting long shafts on short transoms. This shouldn't affect stability on your boat. What length is your Whaler?

 

[JB]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

Sounds like you got a 13 Sport, Delta4. The Johnny 40 is a good match, as the boat is rated for 40 with remote steering.<br /><br />If you have questions or problems you can get a lot of help here, particularly with your engine. If you can get through being treated like an intruder for a while, there is a lot of hull and rigging help on the Classic Whaler Forum site:<br /><br />www.continuouswave.com/whaler/forum <br /><br />Good luck and let us know how it goes.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[johndezman]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

if i recall hose old 40's correctly, you should be able to remove the 5" extension and don't worry about the transom plate.

 

[wigg]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

I have a 68 Whaler and I used to have a 45 chrysler on it. Then I went to a 18 Evin. and now I have a 30 Johnson. The Johnson is perfect. That boat is rated for a 40 with remote steering 25 with tiller. I have a 30 tiller on it and it works great. There is one problem with the old Whalers and that is cavatation. That's because of the short transom. I would suggest that you take the spacer out of the enging you have and shorten the shaft that way. It's an easy job to do. I would also suggest that you install a DOLEFIN on the engine to help it plane out and cut down on the cavatation. The fin really helps with control also. Good luck.

 

[JB]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

Almost right on. Wigg. The tiller rating is 20, not 30. Otherwise I am with you all the way.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

Doesn't that engine have the inspection plate on the side, where you can get at the shift rod, to dis-connect bottom piece, from top piece? I think it is a simple process to make it a short shaft.

 

[foxjohnc03]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

 

[skydad]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

Don't forget that you will have to find a short drive shaft also. Otherwise, it should be an easy mod. You probably can find a used one at a Johnson/Evinrude dealer.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boat & motor mismatch?

Delta - There is nothing in the Bible of boating that says that you cannot mount a 20" motor on a 15" transom if the $ are a little tight. I run a long shaft 9.9 on a 13' skiff & it runs fine.