Engine height question, with pics..

[ddennis]

Hey Guys, in my seemingly never ending quest to get the most out of my little slice of heaven on water, I have an engine height question. Ok. I know from reading that I should start with the engine's anti-ventillation/cavitation plate even with the bottom of the keel. I bought this boat used and it appears to have been (if I am measuring it right) mounting from the factory at about 2 inches BELOW the keel. see pics below (dont laugh! used my daughters photobucket account!) The engine is bolted in the second hole from the top. Should I raise it to as high as it can go? That would put it 1/2 inch below the pad.. I do plan on getting a 4 or 6 inch jackplate for it later...should I just wait and only remove the motor once? How do I reseal the bolts as they go through the transom...3m 4200?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb28/paintballprincess/101_0440.jpg


and another

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb28/paintballprincess/101_0446.jpg


Thanks guys!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

it looks like the AV plate is even with the keel, in the picture. a pic a little further back would add more perspective. if this is the case, i would raise 2 holes, yes 3m 4200. clik to enlarge picture red arrow.

 

[ddennis]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

Here is one from a bit farther back..you can see both "plates" on the engine.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb28/paintballprincess/101_0442.jpg

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

look at this. at the angle of the pic. it sure looks like the AV plate (red arrow) is even with the straight edge, which is the keel bottom correct. if so raising the last 2 hole will definately improve performance.

 

[ddennis]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

Gotcha...I was measuring to the wrong plate then. Are there any torque specs to follow when tightening down the bolts during reinstall? Is there any harm in taking it off again later in the summer when I can afford to buy a jackplate for it?

As many of my questions as you have answered Tasha' I feel I owe ya a beer or a soda when I come to jacksonville later this spring! You live anywhere near blackcreek?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

i live on the westside of Jax, I 295 and 103rd st. area. i've fished black creek many times.

no harm, just seal with 3m 4200. i like to use a lock washer inside, get good and tight, but don't crush transom.

what motor and boat is that?

 

[ddennis]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

It is a 2002 Nitro 700 LX DC, engine is a 75 merc classic, 2002 also. Thanks for the info, trying to find an engine hoist to borrow for the weekend now! If all else fails will use the "wood under the transom and the tongue jack" trick.. Not wild about balancing the engine on the skeg though....

Will let ya know when I am going to the brother inlaws for my fishing trip, maybe we can meet! Promise I ain't no stalker LOL!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

maybe waverider will come up also. fished with him couple of weeks ago. if this works, you won't need jackplate. i built my mine, so long shaft would go on short transom

 

[ddennis]

Re: Engine height question, with pics..

Saw pics of that in another post...nice work!