Torque Specs for Mounting Outboard

[ERock82]

I just bought a 2003 Mercury 50hp 2 stroke motor. I mounted it on my transom yesterday but didn't know the torque specs for the transom bolts. I researched online and found anywhere between 30 to 55 ft lbs. I torqued to 35ft lbs for the time being. My buddy who was helping me said it looked like they would be getting too tight on the transom if I went much further but I don't really know. I would like to have them right though. They are 1/2" bolts and go on a 14ft Bayliner Capri. I don't know what my old Force was torqued to and the specs weren't in the manual.

If anyone knows what I should torque this to please tell. If you think 35ft lbs will be good, please let me know. Thanks.

 

[robert graham]

Good and darn tight, use double nuts to prevent loosening....

 

[gm280]

ERock82, I'm not so sure there is a set torque spec for tightening bolt to mount an OB engine. It would really depend on so many things. The construction being the main thing. I could easily see crushing the transom and gaining zero in effort by trying to arbitrarily reach some torque ft/lb rating. So using quality stainless steel fine thread bolts and lock nuts is probably the best possible thing you could do. I have never checked the actual torque myself, but I have never ever had any bolts work loose either. I know that really doesn't give you a verifiable answer, but I don't know of a specified torque spec myself... :noidea:

 

[82rude]

I checked on a few merc sites and they recommend between 30 to 40 ft lbs torque.Being careful not to crush the hull is a given also.

 

[Sea Rider]

Just adjust arm tight with double nuts as recommended. If transom has plates at both sides, much better.

Happy Boating

 

[82rude]

At 35 lbs you should be fine .As an example heres my specs right out of page 53 in my owners manual for a 2011 60 etec.Every 300 hrs or 3 years, engine to transom mounting hardware,re-torque to 40 ft lbs.