Re: Can I Just bolt on my evinrude 140hp (early 80's) ro do I need to install...
Sorry about the confusion, yes I have indeed replaced the transom, so I have new timber to drill through. The reason for my question was because the transom I removed didn't have dowels to fill old holes, but stainless steel tubes that obviously previously protected the transom from the outboard mounting bolts. I have read about instances of the motor bolts chewing into the transom, sometimes after towing, which causes the holes to elongate and the transom to deteriorate. I am not going to be doing much towing, but wanted to get some feedback to determine whether it was still important to do. Your way would certainly be quicker and easier. Can anyone tell me what size bolts I need to order for this motor? Many Thanks,...
Measure the holes in your brackets and buy stainless bolts, washers and nylon insert locnuts. I think they're approx 1/2 inch dia or slightly bigger,
measure transom thicknessplus bracket for length. I recall approx 5 inch.
Depends on your transom though, obviously. Just slip a dowel thru and measure that.
I use 2 large fender washers and 1 spring washer on each bolt, put the spring washer under the nut. Stainless bolts are pricey, I think it cost me $40 for the 4 bolts w/ nuts and washers.
I bet they used those steel tube inserts to prevent the transom from compressing due to rot.
A properly mounted transom doesn't need any bolt reinforcement no matter what you tow.
