does a 25 hp need to be drilled

[jjbuoni]

My boat is a week old, 14' fisher avenger console and a 25hp mercury, I noticed that it is not drilled on. It is just attached by those clamps. I called the dealer and he said that sometimes they secure them by drilling and other times not. So is there anyone running such a motor secured by the clamps only. So my question is should I bring it back and have it drilled on, or is it such an easy job that I can do it myself. Unfortunaely, I have no owners manual.

 

[JB]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

I would have it BOLTED on, sixers. Clamped engines have a way of jumping off when in use and disappearing when not in use.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

aint nothing like a jumping motor, especially when your holding a tiller and its dancing on the surface. were it mine I would bolt it or at least run a cable from the stern handles through the bracket to insure it does not jump. I also use a plate from T&R that bolts to the transom and has a lip the clamp washers fit under to help but bolting is easy and semi permanant.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

I almost lost a 28 hp in a very sharp turn. Gave no sign of being loose. BOLT it thru the transom and use fricton nuts to hold your money in place.

 

[Pony]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

pretty much as the others have said. I have a 25hp on a 14 footer and its bolted. Wouldn't feel comfortable running it any other way.

 

[jjbuoni]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

thanks for all the comments. I'll take it back and have it bolted on.

 

[Mark42]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

Sixers,<br /><br />Good move getting it bolted on. Now you need to make sure it is done right.<br /><br />Have a nice discussion with your dealer about how they plan on mounting the motor. You want to ensure that:<br /><br />1) Stainless steel bolts are to be used (will not rust). Expect to pay more. They sell for about $10 for a 1/2x6 bolt, lock nut, and washers at the home centers. Figure about $40 for a set of 4.<br /><br />2) The holes and bolts are sealed against water intrusion. They should be using something like Boatlife or 3M 4200 sealer. I don't like 3M 5200 because it is really an adhesive and you may not get the motor off if you need to. And silicone is for bathrooms.<br /><br /><br />The bolt holes are notorious for letting water into the transom core and starting wood rot. It is really worth the time, effort and money to make sure that the transom doesn't start rotting the next time you put it in the water. <br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Mark.

 

[ivar]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

I would bolt it on, I know at least 3 people that has done the dance Rodbolt describes. One of them had to drown the engine to avoid losing it. <br />(And one of the others cursing at his "damn slippery transom") <br /><br />However, on a 20-25hp I'd think it would be enoug unisng only the 2 upper holes to avoid drilling below the water line.

 

[mjbrueck]

Re: does a 25 hp need to be drilled

As JB alluded, a bolted on motor may be less attractive to a thief. Not only will they need tools to remove it, it will take 5 minutes instead of one minute.