Outboard engine on odd shaped transom

[Sailor96]

Hi everyone,

I am currently exploring the options of an outboard engine on my boat's transom. She's coming out in April to get the hull painted and
I've seen boats in my marina that have an outboard mounted at the transom with a bracket like this:

These boats have a rather straight transom, but mine is quite oddly shaped and unlike the ones ive seen in my marina, the transom of my boat does not touch the water line. So I think the one's from the picture above wont work on my transom?
Would it even be possible to have an outboard on my transom?

My transom:

 

[racerone]

Find a motor dedicated for sailboat work.-------Johnson / Evinrude made them.--------Had a 10" extension / electric start / battery charging / low pitch prop with big blades.----Could be adapted for controls.-----A custom bracket might be needed to mount one.-----Many newer 4 strokes now offer electric tilt as well but bigger coins required for one.----Your location ?

 

[Sailor96]

I'm currently on Dutch canals, lakes and rivers. It's been used offshore but we are not going to do that anymore with this boat, that's why an outboard would work. I guess I need a custom bracket then.

It would be better for it to be in the middle I think?
I would have to sacrifice the swimming ladder and use a side ladder instead maybe.

How is it gonna work with steering? The proppeler will now be behind the rudder instead of infront the rudder with the inboard engine. Will it still be able to steer properly or could you use the outboard engine to steer (like on dinghys)?

 

[racerone]

The lqke I sailed on is bigger than Holland by about 20,000 square kilometers.-----I have done a lot of sailing.----You should be able to steer if boat is moving.----Why not repair the inboard ?

 

[flashback]

I've seen the above bracket used on a transom like yours they have a wedge shaped block behind the mount..
It will steer fine and if you need a sharp turn you can turn the motor as well..

 

[flashback]

After a bit of thought I don't think you would like it. Very difficult to get to the motor even to start it, you have a lot of deck back there..

 

[racerone]

If you hook up to controls it would be no different than controlling an inboard !

 

[Sailor96]

Why not repair the inboard ?

I have a 40 year old volvo penta engine that runs fine, though there is an abnormal vibration when giving alot of throttle, let's say more than 60-70 percent throttle.. I have ruled out everything except prop and prop shaft. Engine mounts are ok, engine is ok. No vibration at all when running full throttle in neutral. This problem has been haunting me for a few weeks. I suspect the prop is damaged or the shaft bend/broken. Now if the prop has to be replaced, Im good but if something is wrong with the shaft, It's probably cheaper and easier to get an outboard. It also allows for easier access and maintenance too. My engine room is so small, it's very difficult to get anything done. I can swap out a prop but I probably wont be able to install a new shaft and align that to the engine properly. There's also little to none boat mechanics available in my area so I have to do everything myself.

I've seen the above bracket used on a transom like yours they have a wedge shaped block behind the mount..
It will steer fine and if you need a sharp turn you can turn the motor as well..

Any chance you can get a picture of how they did it?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Dial indicator will tell you if it's the prop shaft. A good prop shaft can straighten them

 

[jimmbo]

Dial indicator will tell you if it's the prop shaft. A good prop shaft can straighten them

I will assume you meant 'a good prop shop'

 

[Scott Danforth]

I will assume you meant 'a good prop shop'

I did ... Damn autocorrect on the phone

 

[Sailor96]

Sadly there are no shops here for that. The mechanics I was able to find wont work on my boat due to limited engine room space.

 

[jimmbo]

What's the Boat made of, Wood, Steel, Glass, Concrete?

 

[Sailor96]

Polyester fiberglass and the interior from wood. It's a Defender 27. I think it's built and designed in my country. Popular boat on passages to UK from here.
Basically my idea was that if I can't fix the inboard, to take the inboard out and seal everything and place an outboard. I can use the extra room for storage too.

Are there any tutorials of how to use a dial indicator to check a prop shaft? I doubt I'm going to find a mechanic locally so I'll probably have to do it on my own with some help from you guys.

 

[racerone]

Post a note at your marina.------Find a helper by offering some Heineken / Amstel / Ryksdaalders ?-----At my marina a propshaft was bent on lift out on a 42' trimaran.----They asked me to help.----Machined a new propshaft for it and installed it.---Ye moet vragen voor hulp.-----Many sailors in your marina have the skill to help.-------Maybe just needs a new bearing in the strut and alignment

 

[flashback]

not too good at posting pics maybe it will fly..

 

[Scott Danforth]

Are there any tutorials of how to use a dial indicator to check a prop shaft?

you can take a machinist course. however to properly do it, isnt a facetube video.

 

[racerone]

Have you checked to see if motor mounts are secure ?-----Checked bed where motor is mounted?------I am sure fellow sailors can assist you !!------Was called to the local marina to assist a transient sailboat with ---" transmission trouble ".---It was 10:00 at night.------After a 10 minute inspection I stated that the prop had likely fallen off.----Folks had a look in the morning and I was correct !

 

[Sailor96]

There isn't alot of space to check them, but as far as I can see they are fine. At least the front ones. I thought they were fine becuase the engine doesnt vibrate at all when full throttle in neutral. Most people in my marina are elderly and I dont want to bother them with crawling into my tiny engine room.

 

[Scott Danforth]

There isn't alot of space to check them, but as far as I can see they are fine. At least the front ones. I thought they were fine becuase the engine doesnt vibrate at all when full throttle in neutral. Most people in my marina are elderly and I dont want to bother them with crawling into my tiny engine room.

This would indicate a prop issue or a prop shaft issue. Easy to diagnose and fix