Could my outboard mounting bracket be broke?

[jtexas]

This is a 1979 'rude 70 on a 15ft fiberglass bass boat.<br /><br />My trailer had to make a sudden stop recently, and the boat moved the bow stop forward about 3" causing the transom saver to force the outboard up a bit. <br /><br />There's no obvious damage, no broken parts dangling or anything, and the TNT works and sounds exactly the same as before, but I noticed the motor lifting itself a few inches when motoring off the trailer in reverse. <br /><br />There's a few inches of play to where you can lift the motor manually just a little bit when it's on the trailer. I don't exactly remember if it was that way before, but I never noticed the motor picking itself up in reverse before. <br /><br />Is it possible that the bracket needs some adjustment or repair? <br /><br />Also, I have the nagging feeling that the bow is riding lower than before - could be my imagination, though since I have no tach or speedometer, but I feel I've lost just a bit of speed. I'm wondering if it could have something to do with the bracket question.<br /><br />thanks,<br />jtw

 

[Franki]

Re: Could my outboard mounting bracket be broke?

Hi, <br /><br />Outboards are not designed to handle allot of power in reverse, and are designed to release under a certain amount of force..<br />(for example, if you hit a log or rock, and there is no give, you'd tear the transom out of your boat..)<br /><br />my OB has a small catch thing that locks onto the tilt adjust pin at the bottom of the mounting bracket.. and enough upwards force will pop it off.. which is why my motor is still on the back of my boat after a big rock hit a couple of weeks back..<br /><br />just check that that catch is still hooking over the tilt pin.. (assuming that is how yours works too.)<br /><br />I don't think mine has any actual adjustment in that area, its spring loaded and is only released automatically if I use the tilt to lift the motor up.. (thers is a little hydrolic soleniod on mine that unclamps it when I tilt up.)<br /><br />I can't see the bracket would effect the ride or the speed.. unless something was very wrong.. <br />if its bent, it might be trimming out further then before, which would put the nose down and slow you up abit..<br /><br />Is it still flush with the transom, and is the motor sitting right down against the tilt pin??<br /><br />if both those answers are yes.. then I don't see there as being a problem.<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Franki

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Could my outboard mounting bracket be broke?

I agree with Franki. I think it's normal for the motor to tilt back a little when under significant power in reverse. I don't recall what kind of reverse lock those old rude's have, but it is possible that it bent and is therefore allowing a little extra "play". As long as it's still engaging fine, it's probably ok, but you might want to take a look at it.