How Dumb Would I Be?

[JoLin]

Going tomorrow to look at a 14' tri-hull open boat (utility type- no console) to go with my 4-stroke, 15-horse Merc "kicker". Motor weighs 115 lbs. I'd like to have another option for using the little motor. Problem is, the Merc is a long (20") shaft and the boat has a 15" transom.

How dangerous would it be (stability-wise) for me to raise the transom height? I wouldn't consider doing this this on a small v-hull, but tri-hulls are more stable.

Or, should I just plan on running with the lower unit "buried" in the water?

Or, could I split the difference (raise the transom a little, bury the lower unit a little)?

Or, should I just forget the whole idea?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

Jack plate.

 

[JoLin]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

Thanks, but adding a jack plate is the functional equivalent of raising the transom. Stability problems? Or am I making much ado about nothing?

 

[crb478]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

A jack plate is the simple method of raising the transom. I don't think that you will have any stability issues as this has been done numerous times with out any problems. You are simply setting up your engine to the right height for the best performance. Also with a jack plate you can reverse the process if you later get a engine with the correct shaft length.

 

[JoLin]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

Thanks, it's the center of gravity issue I'm concerned with, not the method of raising the motor. I don't have any experience in a boat that small, is all. At least, not in the last 45 years

 

[oops!]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

your over thinking it bud....no worries

 

[JoLin]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

Thanks, oops- I can't seem to help it. Even at age 55, I'm still my father's son

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

Yup, you are over thinking this. The motor doesn't weigh enough to make much difference and the prop will end up where it should be so you won't even have a longer "moment arm" with respect to thrust position.

 

[cordell]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

My tri hull has a small transom, I havent measured it though it does not look like it is made for a long shaft, but it is. I agree though a small motor wont make a difference at all. Get yourself a 65 horse and that little tri hull will be a speed demon!

cordell

 

[JoLin]

Re: How Dumb Would I Be?

LOL @ Cordell !

I'll go one better- leave the 15 hp on the Pro-Line and move the 175 over to the 14-footer. I could, like, wrap the lower unit in PFD's so it doesn't, like, sink