Bolting outboard to transom.

CAnderson

CAnderson

Well-known member
I am planning to bolt my outboard to the transom of my boat to rectify a longstanding wrong. I went to the local hardware store to pick up some stainless steel bolts to mount the engine and all they had was course thread. No fine thread. Will this be ok? Or do I need to suck it up and pay extra at the marine dealer to buy fine thread stainless steel bolts?

Thanks for the advice.

Anything I should know before I permanently mount the engine to the transom. I hate to drill the transom and screw something up.
 
Chris, what size motor we talking about? With something 40 hp or below I'd feel safe with appropriate size course thread stainless. You can add a drop or two oc loctite and be pretty safe IMHO.

If you were going bigger HP on a larger boat than the fine thread may be worth it.
 
You should be good, one word of advice, make sure the motor is exactly,where you want it before you drill! Been there before.....!
 
I assume you are referring to the Nylok type nuts. If I use the Nylok nuts should I still you a spring washer?
 
I for one agree with your decision, old timers here will understand. I have heard of motors coming right off and falling into the lake ;-). Use some sealer on the bolts and you will be golden. You also won't have to worry about it leaving without you.
 
My 40 is bolted to my 14' Federanko. One less thing to worry about. With my other boats, I would check the tightness of bolts. Like 42 times a day. My motor is right where it should be and she jumps right up on plane.
 
I watched a buddies Brand new( like first time out) 25 merc come flying of the transom of his sneakbox. It sunk in 18 feet of water. Best part was watching him free dive for it, wrap a line on it and salvage it.

Unfortunatley the Mechanic he took it to let it sit for 5 days with salt water in it.......destroyed the crank and other parts.

Bolt it on!
 
I just use flat washers with lock nuts
.
Click to expand...


+1

I will never forget the day I had a 6 hp motor running WOT with nothing attached except my left arm. I was planing in a 10' low profile duck boat at the time the transom split in half and parted ways with the hull. Not my boat or motor and the owner was looking on from his tender with eyes as big as saucers. I reached over with my right arm and pulled the kill switch cord. Motor never did get wet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top