Bolting Outboard to Transom

[Skimster]

I'm not nuts about the idea of bolting my OB to my boat, but I like the idea of losing it while under-way even less.

Would some of you guys share your insights into bolting your OBs to your transoms? Maybe share some pictures? I have a '70s Evinrude 25, if anyone is familiar with that kicker.

Thank you!

 

[gcboat]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

Are you going through wood, FRP, or aluminum?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

Doesn't matter what the transom material is. A 25 HP motor doesn't need to be bolted but it (like all small outboards) require a safety cable or chain in case it does come loose.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

Could you just run a zip strap through the levers to keep it from loosening up?

Just a thought.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

It doesn't need to be bolted, but, bolting does provide a measure of security. I have my 6hp Johnson bolted to my little aluminum boat. I don't worry about it falling off, but small outboards have a way of walking off from people's backyards and turning up on Craig's List.

To steal mine, you'll have to bring a pair of 1/2" wrenches to remove the bolts, which are also a hammer fit through the transom. Not many casual thieves are going to bother.

It's just two bolts at the bottom of the transom mount, which is drilled for them.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

A zip strap is insufficient to assure the motor will stay put. The transom clamps are a friction fit and can slip if you hit bottom or a debris.

In my boating career I have lost a 5HP and a 50HP motor off the transom. neither were bolted at the time. The safety chain kept the 5HP motor attached to the boat, but it hit the saltwater wheil running and was never the same.

The 50HP motor also hit the saltwater while running at plaining speed, but it didn't seem to phase that Fat-Fifty. I recovered it and cleaned it up and it worked just as good as ever.

 

[Skimster]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

Two bolts at the bottom. got it. Thanks CATransplant.

gcboat, through fibreglass, and whatever the transom is made of underneatht that, Assuming wood?

There are a few reasons that are compelling the permanent mount. Theft-deterrent is right up there. Also, the transom on my type of vessel is slanted aft, and is known for shaking off OBs. I mean, it's such an easy way to avoid a huge problem that I can't think of a lot of reasons not to.

Thanks, guys.

 

[rusirius]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

It doesn't need to be bolted, but, bolting does provide a measure of security. I have my 6hp Johnson bolted to my little aluminum boat. I don't worry about it falling off, but small outboards have a way of walking off from people's backyards and turning up on Craig's List.

To steal mine, you'll have to bring a pair of 1/2" wrenches to remove the bolts, which are also a hammer fit through the transom. Not many casual thieves are going to bother.

It's just two bolts at the bottom of the transom mount, which is drilled for them.

Two 1/2" wrenches... Check.... Anything else I should bring just in case?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Bolting Outboard to Transom

Two 1/2" wrenches... Check.... Anything else I should bring just in case?

Body armor, perhaps?