Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. Although the longer outboard shaft length can lead to lower speed and more drag, the boat can push a heavier load. Mounting the motor lower on the boat transomcan createexcessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. AztH ^zv_ cT,E1K/rAB54| | Sitemap, The Marine Parts Warehouse Outboard Museum, OBR Powerhead / Shortblock Warranty Claim Form, Remanufactured vs. One of the main concerns is causing the engine to overheat if not enough water reaches the engine to keep it cool. "brackets". There are instances where a lower mount may be okay. Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. With such an important, long-term, and expensive upgrade, its never a bad idea to double-check. Use the mounting bracket on the motor to know where it will sit on the boat. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including boat maintenance and boat basics. It will ensure that the outboards trim will be effective, and it will save you gas too. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30 and 35 shaft. On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. Outboards designed for saltwater applications usually have longer shafts. Brackets are also handy for boats that do not have flat transoms, like canoe-stern sailboats or fan-tailed motor vessels. %PDF-1.7 Wherever the outboard clamping bracket is, use this as the basis for measurement. Expectedly, when the transom angle is zero, it means it is flat. Sailboats use these sometimes, as well as some boaters who want to install a much smaller auxiliary motor to use in case of primary engine failure. August 9/08). } Your at your local outboard dealer shopping for a new motor and the salesman hits you with the question, "short or long shaft?". steel ruler, etc. minAmount: 300.0, When measuring the transom height, you should start from the hull's bottom at the boat's center line up to the top of the transom. Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. The vertical distance between the interior of the clamp and the cavitation plate is the shaft length specified by the outboard manufacturer. Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) The boat transom height is measured from the lowest point on the keel along the center line to the spot where the outboard motor's mounting holes bracket rests. Beyond motorboats designed for large outboards, you will see outboards hanging on the sterns of everything from small canoes to large cruising sailboats. If it measures anywhere from 17" to around 22", then your going to want to go with a long shaft motor. To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). priceSelector: ".price--withoutTax, span.price.price--withTax", All rights reserved. Ten years ago I bought my first boat. Copyright 1999-2023 Boats Group. Shaft lengths are available in increments of 5. The collapsing bubbles are loaded with extremely low-pressure water vapor, which causes damage to a variety of surfaces as they collapse. If you went too long it would still work but it may lack in performance. Whether your on a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or speedboat boating is always one of the best times you can have. Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. This is simply a measurement taken from the top of the transom (top of We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. ensure that your measurement is accurate. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. storeDisplayName: "Marine Parts Warehouse", This is somewhat similar to #2, in that you are again measuring with a Transom Outboard Engine Position - YouTube 0:00 / 0:56 Transom Outboard Engine Position BOATING SCENE 763 subscribers 609 211K views 5 years ago www.boatingscene.com.au Sometimes when your. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. Add the two measurements and you get 6 1/2". The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. Basically, there are three main ways to measure motor I mean, who wants to purchase something as expensive as an outboard to only realize you bought the wrong one. If your outboard motor height. How the outboard will sit on the back of the boat depends on how the transom is designed. Why Rebounding Is A Key Skill for Fouth Players To Learn, Tips For Attacking a Zone Defense as a Youth Basketball Team, Why This is a Big Deal for the Sports Betting Industry. var interval = setInterval(function () { This measurement was approximately 4". Many boat transoms are modified to use a different length of outboard by using a bracket. Finding the right size is a matter of looking at what youve got and taking out the measuring tape. manufacturer will recommend the outboard height according to the bracket shape and length. Then adjust the motor in a higher hole with a flat head screwdriver. The correct shaft length for your boat depends on a few factors. Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. Set the end of the tape on the outside edge of the taffrail at the center and measure inward to the inside edge of the taffrail. On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. Before we start measuring the outboard shaft length, lets get it clear about whats referring to when we talk about the outboard shaft length. This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. This is probably the worst case scenario out of the two. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. endobj An inch or two probably wont make a big difference, but any more than that will lead to trouble. on How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length: The Only Guide You Need, ePropulsion vs Torqeedo: An All-Round Comparison, 55 lb Thrust Trolling Motors: All You Need to Know Before Purchase, Spot Lock Trolling Motor: Is It Worth It & Best Options in 2022, Wiring 24V Trolling Motors: 24 Volt Wiring Diagram (with Video), LiFePO4 Battery: Why Lithium iron Phosphate Batteries Are Your Best Options in 2022, Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Best Option in 2022. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history. since 1986. (We wont go into name-calling here, but the actual term for the cavitation plate is an anti-ventilation plate.) Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. want to measure from the transom to the flat part of this bracket, They operate as a planing surface, allowing your boat to climb to the top more quickly. The point where these measurements intersect is your centerline. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. Variables to consider when determining the mounting height include the size and style of the boat and the length of the outboard motor's shaft. This is handy if youre shopping for second-hand outboards or looking to sell the one that came with your boat. However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. This number will likely be shorter than that for a single-engine installation since you do not necessarily measure to the point of the keel. The anti-cavitation plate above the prop needs to be within an inch of the bottom of the transom, therefore, the prop should be well below the transom. Industry transom height standards have been evolved during the last 30 years: 15 for short shaft engines, 20 for long shaft engines, and 25 for extra-long shaft engines. The motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. See diagram below. Cavitation plates are used on the bottom components of boats to help them operate better. Boat transom angles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. You also might not be able to lift the outboard out of the water entirely for storage. Once you know what will fit on your hull, you can fine-tune your choice based on the performance youre looking for and how you use the boat. 4 0 obj You'll need a short shaft outboard if it's 15 or less than an inch shorter. The transom is the boats flat vertical part at the back. What is the Virtual Sundance Film Festival? Adjusting the mounting height of an outboard on the boat transom can affect performance and every boat can be different, so actual on-water testing is best. You can find your Mercury outboard model code on an ID plate or sticker. Workboats, sailboats, and displacement-hulled boats fall into this category. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. If you have an outboard motor, the distance from one end to another will be found on the side or on a label near its bottom. When mounting the engine, you want the cavitation plate to be 1 above the boat bottom for every 12 away from the transom. For over five years he has worked as a newspaper reporter and historic researcher. This will ensure the best performance. (function (d) { Extra-extra long shafts are 30-inches long. if (PayTomorrow) { Check the literature about your model boat online, and you may be surprised to find that the number is published for you. 5/rC,aQhsK@Q. brackets. debugMode: false, Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. No matter what size of boat you are running, one of the most critical choices you can make when buying an outboard motor is the shaft length. Measure from there down to the top of the cavitation plate, also known as the anti-ventilation plate. Beefier jack plates can be fitted should a boater be looking to mount an outboard with a shorter shaft than their transom demands. With more than a decade of experience cruising the lakes in my Crestliner Grand Cayman pontoon boat and my Boston Whaler, I now want to share everything I've learned with my community here at Boating Hub. Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. Another important measurement is the transom angle. Thats a fairly simple list of symptoms, but if your motor is too low, youll probably notice at least one of them. How to Buy a Boat: Tips for a First Time Buyer, Top 10 New Fishing Boats for Under $20,000, What Type is Right for You? Doing so, will put the propeller right below the boat. and I'll explain it better, (or point you to someone that can help. If your boat is newer and the manufacturer is still in business, you might also want to try to give them a call. A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. 7. Say the 20 shaft is a long shaft length for gas engines, but it is a short shaft length for electric outboard motors. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. Measuring the shaft length can be done in various ways, but the most common way is by using a tape measure. maxMicroAmount: 0.0, It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. Here we look at the effects of standard, lower and higher mounting. boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. Over time, Boating Hub has grown into a resource for boating enthusiasts around world. Some boats are equipped with transom-hung outboards while others have a bracket. In the photo above, we've measured from the motor bracket to the top of trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. height (that I'm aware of); probably the most common is: Its important to note that manufacturers call their models different things. It also cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. s = d.createElement("link"); How do you measure a transom on an outboard motor? The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. To achieve this, the motor itself has to be attached at the correct height. They keep water out of your prop and increase water pressure in the system. primeApr: 12.99, This provides seaworthiness and offers maximum protection from large seas. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Propshaft in Having the cavitation plate too low will cause excess drag and reduced performance at high speeds. If mounting directly to a boat transom: Measure from the top of the transom down to the bottom of the hull or keel (lowest point). The height of the transom is calculated by measuring from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom, using the center line. Youll also want to pay attention when youre in shallow water because your prop will be lower than normal. Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. This exhaust port should be about 1 inch above the water line when the boat is idling. However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. A: The short answer is Yes. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. If youre going the other way around and trying to figure out how long the shaft on your outboard is, measuring it is equally easy. Thats it. It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. Boat Transom Heights The Beginners Guide, Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. bracket forward with a straight edge to where you can then measure up Owners of bass boats, RIBs, or offshore fishing boats need to get this right. parallel with the straight edge. maxTerm: 36, x\[D~OUCO6[j](l%ay <8cylY{.L2s#]~U6A|Wj]-oo|mubqY6wbY_|!>Z8(RB:RHeTzOGO_=~t\ It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transom's height. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. xmlHttp.send('{"store_id":"369079","timezone_offset":"-5","timestamp":"2023-03-04T05:39:31.71020200Z","visit_id":"e2642be3-34e5-4a48-b89d-639d139834e0","channel_id":1}'); In extremes, the engine can have overheating problems if the boat is raised to a point where the water inlets for the cooling system are out of the water. Most of the standard engined boats it takes shafts that are 15-30inches long. jackplate to a point level with the top of the transom. Bass boats, ski boats, or center cockpit vessels will want to double-check their measurements to get it just right. Doing this can have adverse effects. Actually there is no designated letter for short shaft. If so, send me an Allowing the propeller to pull water from underneath and push it out behind the boat. The transom is the flat vertical section at the rear of the boat. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. If we run into that scenario, I would still show you the different options of motors and go over pricing, but I would also ask you to hold off and do one thing before you pull the trigger. Not to measure boat speed, but to gauge the mounting height of the outboard motor on the boat transom. What are Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and Channels? This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. The height is approximately six inches higher than with a propeller. If it measures between 17 and 22, you'll want to go with a long shaft motor. Which Navigation Lights Does Your Boat Need? Next, measure from your centerline to where the outboard will be mounted on each side. Pad to bottom of However, youll notice a little increase in drag and a decrease in top-end performance. So if you are measuring the outboard shaft length for the powerboat, planing boat, or any boat for which the speed is the priority, take the outboard shaft length 1 to 1.5 (depending on your boat types) shorter than standard would be better. At least if its too long you can raise the motor or "build up" your transom. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. Then finally test your outboard, if the mount is perfect. Boat transomangles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. boats.com, 1221 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, USA. to where the brackets were actually resting on the transom. On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. Other factors to consider when determining the mounting height of an outboard are related to performance. Problems with getting the ventilation plate too low include slower hole-shot and lower top-end speeds. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is unsafe to have the engine block too close to the water on a low transom. This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. I would also recommend finding your maximum horsepower rating which is located on the yellow coast guard tag towards the back of your boat. If the propeller fails to ventilate, the motor is mounted to low. When fighting waves from the stern, a 20-inch transom is considerably safer. Whether you already own a boat or looking for your first watercraft we are here to service your needs. So in hopes that this will help out some new boaters this spring, here's a little rundown on outboard shaft sizes and how to figure out which one you actually need. If you said you have a pontoon or a larger style boat such as a bass boat or speed boat, I would be pretty confident in saying it needs a long shaft. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. When the boattransom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. Commonly, the transom angle ranges from 0-30 degrees, with the average transom angle set at 14 degrees. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including, Why your boat transom needs to be the right height, The pros and cons of properly mounting the outboard motor to the transom, Standard mounting is always best for the beginner, Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing the, Lower mounting is not for the beginning boater, Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom, There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. The lowest point will likely be directly under your drain plug if youve got one. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. The dealer just hit you with the long or short shaft question and you have no clue as to what you need or even what he's talking about. If the propeller fails to ventilate, the motor is mounted to low. Disclaimer: As an affiliate I may earn a commission on any qualifying purchases, including those from Amazon.com, at no extra cost to you read more. Sluggish speeds, poor handling, heavy spray, porpoising, or even water pushing up into the cowling are all signs that an outboard is set too low. var xmlHttp = new XMLHttpRequest(); The general guideline for longer shaft outboards is that the transom height should be at least 20 inches (50,8cm) above the waterline.
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