Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

[catfighter]

Hello

I picked up a 20hp outboard for my 14 tri-hull. I want to mount it permanently for a couple reasons, mainly so it doesn't get stolen. . . .

Is this a good idea? You know, to drill holes in the transom? Or should I just spend $25 on an outboard lock?


Let me know what you guys think. I guess it's a GOOD thing to be able to store the motor indoors during the winter . . . .

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

If you're in a situation where theft is an issue then...Is a lock really going to provide the security needed? Bolt cutters can take care of most locks and or cables in short order. But as you say, prermanent makes it difficult to store, however we're only talking about 4 bolts possibly. Your boat..Your Choice!!!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

All my outboards are bolted through, the 90 merc came this way, and my 15 hp kicker is bolted to a kicker plate. The kicker plate is bolted through the transom. I used a ton of 3m 5200 to ensure no water gets into the transom. I also have the sleeve lock that covers the kicker's bolts that have the tabs on the end of them to tighten it down. Between the two of them, I think I have done everything I can. Always worth an insurance policy if you are really worried, or you can just remove it if it's small enough.

 

[Coho Ghost]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

Cat,

I have a 25 Merc on a 15 ft. Livingston skiff. I asked the guy who services my motor if I should bolt it on in addition to the normal clamps. His reply was "ABSOLUTELY"! The reason being in a high speed sharp turn, the clamps may not be able to keep the motor from "tipping" on the transom. That is, the lower unit pivoting left or right because the clamps have slipped their grip. In the worst case the motor could pop off. Just seal everything like Greenbush did, although if you ever have to take the motor off, the 5200 might make getting the bolts back out a real bear. Maybe some other members might have some suggestion on how to overcome that issue.

FWIW
Coho Ghost

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

Never had a big problem getting bolts off with 5200. Little problem but not that bad. Its really a small surface area around a bolt and motor mounting surface. I would at least put the bottom two bolts in.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

You can always drill oversized mounting holes and fill them totally with Thickened Resin (Resin, Cabosil and Chopped milled fibers) Then Redrill the holes to mount the motor. this way you could remove the motor anytime and be ensured that water could never reach the transom wood and you would not have to continually reseal the bolts/holes when you remount the motor.

 

[catfighter]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

You can always drill oversized mounting holes and fill them totally with Thickened Resin (Resin, Cabosil and Chopped milled fibers) Then Redrill the holes to mount the motor. this way you could remove the motor anytime and be ensured that water could never reach the transom wood and you would not have to continually reseal the bolts/holes when you remount the motor.

This is precisely what I was thinking of doing!


Here's something else to consider: I had my transom "rebuilt" with an 1/4" thick piece of alumium plate sandwiched between two piece of wood. . . . dude had it sitting around and he threw it in there. I think you could run into it with a car and it would still come out unscathed.

but Now i'm wondering how difficult it would be to drill through it. . . .

 

[Dabbler_E]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

This is precisely what I was thinking of doing!


Here's something else to consider: I had my transom "rebuilt" with an 1/4" thick piece of alumium plate sandwiched between two piece of wood. . . . dude had it sitting around and he threw it in there. I think you could run into it with a car and it would still come out unscathed.

but Now i'm wondering how difficult it would be to drill through it. . . .

AL drills pretty easily, even with standard black oxide bits -- it's way softer than the steel in the bits. You'd want to use a spiral bit, not a spade bit, though.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

This is precisely what I was thinking of doing!


Here's something else to consider: I had my transom "rebuilt" with an 1/4" thick piece of alumium plate sandwiched between two piece of wood. . . . dude had it sitting around and he threw it in there. I think you could run into it with a car and it would still come out unscathed.

but Now i'm wondering how difficult it would be to drill through it. . . .

May want to inspect that transom, anytime somone puts an aluminum plate inside the transom, I would start wondering what the rest of it looks like. Another option is to overdrill your bolt holes, and instal drain tubes there, along with some 3M-5200

 

[catfighter]

Re: Should I permanently mount my new outboard?

I understand the concern about the transom. I watched him work on it from beginning to end and it's stronger now than it's ever been.

Drain plugs-- that's probably the best way to go, right there.