Outboard Mount/Jack Plate for Cuddy Backup Motor

[sundowner205]

Alright, so I'm wondering if there is some sort of mount or jack plate, preferably something that can be mounted under my built-in swim platform, that will allow me to mount my dinghy's 3.3hp Merc to my boat to use as a backup motor in case of an emergency?

The boat is an '89 FW Sundowner 205. I'm looking for something that is unobtrusive and will not take away from the aesthetics of the boat.

Does anyone know of this type of mount?

Thanx in advance.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: Outboard Mount/Jack Plate for Cuddy Backup Motor

I'm thinking that there has to be some sort of mount that could be afixed to the underside of the swim platform...I've been searching to no avail, however, I'm thinking of asking one of my buddies who is a mechanical engineer to design something that could be stowed under the swim platform and be pivoted up o mount a small outboard if need be.

I have seen similar jack plates on many of the sail boats in the harbor, however they all mount on the transom...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Outboard Mount/Jack Plate for Cuddy Backup Motor

It's really a moot point and I would not recommend it: 10 horsepower moves my 21 foot cuddy at 3 1/2 MPH. 3 horsepower is not going to move your boat at any speed near that. If you are only on a lake and have all day---yeah, OK but if you are going to combat winds, tides, or currents --2 mph tide or current and 3 hp at say, 1 1/2 mph--you 'aint going anywhere.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: Outboard Mount/Jack Plate for Cuddy Backup Motor

I'm not sure that I agree with that statement. In my harbor, I know of at least ten 25 - 30 foot sail vessels that have 3.3's and some with 2.5's that they use for backup motors if the riginggs fail with no problem...

 

[JoLin]

Re: Outboard Mount/Jack Plate for Cuddy Backup Motor

Sundowner, a sailboat is a different animal- narrow relative to length, with minimal superstructure to catch the wind and a deep keel/centerboard to keep it on a straight track. You really can't compare the two. Those little motors aren't used for emergencies, they're used for docking and maneuvering in tight spaces when it isn't practical to
proceed under sail.

A 3.3 will MOVE your boat in dead calm conditions, but it won't overcome even the slightest headwind/sidewind or current. Maintaining course will be virtually impossible. I run a 15 hp auxiliary on my 21. I've had to use it twice to get me home in somewhat crappy conditions, and it isn't "overkill."

Mounting up that little motor might give you a sense of security, but that's gonna disappear real fast if you ever actually need to use it.

 

[witchcrafter]

Re: Outboard Mount/Jack Plate for Cuddy Backup Motor

check out this website i have seen alot of things that may work marineonevoice.com. if you find something get the part number and go to your local Oreilly auto parts store (if you have one) and they can order it and will let you know how much it is.