Measure from the top of the straight edge to the center of the front
In the case of a dinghy or johnboat, this point may be the top of the transom. Doing this can have adverse effects. Beyond motorboats designed for large outboards, you will see outboards hanging on the sterns of everything from small canoes to large cruising sailboats. This transom saver will support the weight of your outboard throughout your road travel, steadily bracing it against the trailer frame to relieve your transom of the weight and impact from consistent bouncing. If you are looking to repower, they may be able to offer some sage advice. d.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (e) { "brackets". (In the case of the faster
Its where the outboard motor is attached, and its also where some boat owners put the boats name. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.2 841.8] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>>
The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. Here is a picture that shows you exactly where the outboard motor shaft length stands: Usually the shaft length for outboard motors falls into the following 4 sizes: In practice, you may find the outboard motor shaft length varies among different brands and manufacturers like the Honda,Suzuki, Yamaha, Torqeedo, etc. The greater the number, the more the drive may sway (also called tuck under or negative trim). If you are running a twin-engine setup, then measure the same distance from each clamping plate to the bottom of the hull. It does not store any personal data. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. (Any measurement given as "off the transom"
An inch or two probably wont make a big difference, but any more than that will lead to trouble. The clamp bracket is designed so that the engine's mounting height on the transom can be adjusted higher than standard. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30 and 35 shaft. If you have a question or need additional information,contact ustoday. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. 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. Here we look at the effects of standard, lower and higher mounting. 2019s List of the Best Recreational Pontoon Boats for Sale. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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}'); 4 0 obj
straight edge from the center of the pad, but this time you're measuring
The lowest point will likely be directly under your drain plug if youve got one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. The boat transom can be flat with zero degree angles. Then, you can pick the right engine. of the "bullet" on your lower unit. Mounting the motor lower on the boat transomcan createexcessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. If the propeller fails to ventilate, the motor is mounted to low. It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. This is simply a measurement taken from the top of the transom (top of
(updated
bracket forward with a straight edge to where you can then measure up
But in many cases, its a little more complicated than that alone. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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? Step 2 requires the propeller's radius (check the user manual and then the technical drawing). In the past, though, it housed the officers and captain of 17th, 18th and 19th century sailing ships. center of the propshaft. Oftentimes you will want to adjust the outboard shaft length in order to improve the boat performance such as speed. endobj
x\[D~OUCO6[j](l%ay <8cylY{.L2s#]~U6A|Wj]-oo|mubqY6wbY_|!>Z8(RB:RHeTzOGO_=~t\ A reverse transom that sits too high can impact the propellers of the motor and motor bracket. Add yours in the comment and Ill get back to you asap. Picking the right shaft length for your outboard is an essential step in getting the best performance from your boat. (616) 364-0666, On all contiguous US part orders over $100. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. When the boattransom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure Youtube page! To do so, measure from the stern (back) of the boat to the midpoint of the hull on both sides. Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. mpeInit(); s = d.createElement("script"); Simply start with the engine in idle, followed bytrimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. Setting Height of Outboard Motor - YouTube 0:00 / 0:46 Setting Height of Outboard Motor nates90 71 subscribers Subscribe 83 Share 63K views 7 years ago #boatservice #outboardmotor. Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. 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. Boats with extended transoms, brackets that extend the mounting bracket for the outboard motor behind the back of the boat, can use a higher outboard height. I would also recommend finding your maximum horsepower rating which is located on the yellow coast guard tag towards the back of your boat. priceSelector: ".price--withoutTax, span.price.price--withTax", xmlHttp.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/json'); Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. #1: Height
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. Next, measure from your centerline to where the outboard will be mounted on each side. A: The answer varies by boat, but here are some rules of thumb for matching a short shaft outboard to your boat. publicId: "32bf3437d1346295e03ebcf545f9c839", All you need to do is measure how much to rise. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. This could also affect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. This allows the engine to idle without the flow of the exhaust being restricted. My family and I used it to fish, ski (yes, you can ski behind a pontoon boat), and cruise the lakes near our home. If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn includingboat maintenanceand boat basics. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. Read the following to get the optimal shaft length for outboard motors! straight edge on the top of the transom to "extend" it out
Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) var addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@' + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML += '
'+addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5+'<\/a>'; Step 4. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. h[0].appendChild(s); Outboards designed for saltwater applications usually have longer shafts. Pad to bottom of
Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. The rearmost structural member of your boat, it not only distributes the stress of the hull generated by the bow's impact as it cleaves the water, it's the place you hang your outboard motor. Some boats are equipped with transom-hung outboards while others have a bracket. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. Thats a fairly simple list of symptoms, but if your motor is too low, youll probably notice at least one of them. If you are running a slower boat, the exact location of the ventilation plate is less important. Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom can create excessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Rebuilt - What You Need to Know, Lower Unit and Sterndrive Break-In Instructions. Depending on the manufacturer, size names might change. Step 2: Three Variables to Consider Place the rulers end on the ground behind the club and let the club to rest on top of it. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales, 2023 Marine Parts Warehouse Incorporated
With the outboard shaft length too long, meaning the prop is too deep in the water, the engine wont be as efficient, and the fuel burn is high. Assistant Measuring tape Grease pencil Ask a friend to hold one end of a measuring tape at the extreme outer edge of the top of the transom while you pull the tape across its width to the opposite outer edge to measure the "length of the taffrail," which is the width of the boat across the top edge of the stern. disregard the downward pointing "hooks" at the front of the
However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. Place the bracket on the transom to the left of the main outboard or rudder. Amazon has plate extensions to allow adjustments without buying a new motor: T-H Marine Jack Plate Extension. How can you figure out what your transom angle is? Outboard Motor Shaft Length: How do I measure? Mounting the outboard a little bit lower than the standard point could avoid the possible ventilation and slip on acceleration. There are instances where a lower mount may be okay. } This will keep the prop in the water when the boat pitches in waves, or hobby-horses. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. They operate as a planing surface, allowing your boat to climb to the top more quickly. Here we will guide you in how to get the right boat transom height. If it measures anywhere from 17" to around 22", then your going to want to go with a long shaft motor. If your boat is newer and the manufacturer is still in business, you might also want to try to give them a call. Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. Actually there is no designated letter for short shaft. the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor
Extra-long shafts are 25-inches long. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. According to MarinePartsMan.com, the outboard can be raised 1 inch above the standard height for every 10 miles per hour of speed the boat can attain. I run a 9.9 Mercury Bigfoot 20" shaft off the swim platform of my 89 Trophy 2160. This is handy if youre shopping for second-hand outboards or looking to sell the one that came with your boat. Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat. The first order of business is to measure your boat for the ideal fit. Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing thebest boat engine. But, how do you measure it? The standard shaft length for most outboard engines less than 125 horsepower is 20 inches. A2: Instead of changing to the short outboard shaft, you can try the Jack Plate first. Allowing the propeller to pull water from underneath and push it out behind the boat. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. With the motor trimmed so that the propshaft is parallel to the keel, the anti-ventilation plate should be just about even with your straight edge, and thus even with the boat bottom at the keel. If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have theexperience and know-howto make it happen. debugMode: false, A reversetransom that sits too high can impact the propellers of the motor and motor bracket. So its easier and safer to communicate with the dealer with the exact measurement of outboard shaft length in order to get the right model. Now that you have a better understanding of boat transom heights its time to take out the ruler and get the perfect measurements. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. AztH
^zv_ cT,E1K/rAB54| minAmount: 300.0, If you have a question or need additional information. The transom is the flat vertical section at the rear of the boat. primeApr: 12.99, No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. This could also effect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. The prop will be in cleaner, harder water as it advances farther aft, making it more efficient. Should I take the raft onto the water and measure the exact distance from the top of the transom to the water line? Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. How Transom Height Is Measured Boat hulls are designed in three basic types that range from slow displacement and semi-displacement hulls to the fastest planing hulls. As a dealer I don't really like hearing this because there is a chance it could go either way and you have to get it right. This is also known as the shaft length. There are a series of four to six holes at the top of the bracket, and the lower bolts actually fit into slots. I believe 20 to 21 inches is the optimum length for a lengthy shaft. 12 Small Fishing Boat Accessories to Buy Today. For most boaters this is a no brainer, but for the novice or inexperienced boater it may be a tougher question. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by, If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have the.
Doing so, will put the propeller right below the boat. However, your boat will have slightly more drag which will reduce your maximum speed. 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. Propshaft in
and I'll explain it better, (or point you to someone that can help. Problems with getting the ventilation plate too low include slower hole-shot and lower top-end speeds. This also means it can affect the safety of the boat. High powered boats usually only come in long and extra-long variants. Another important measurement is the transom angle. Boat transomangles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. h[0].appendChild(s); It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. I live for the weekends when I can go out on the water and escape the stress of life on land. Place the clubs bottom on the ground as though it were going to be used to strike a golf ball. Follow Westshore Marine & Leisure on Twitter! On most newer center consoles and offshoreboat transoms might include a rear door leading to a swim platform as well as a molded setback bracket. This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. Commonly, the transom angle ranges from 0-30 degrees, with the average transom angle set at 14 degrees.
This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. Its still smart to measure it yourself though, just in case, the design changed over the years. With the long side (22 1/2), place a carpenters square ) in opposition to the keel. 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. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure google plus page! gtag('js', new Date()); 1855 Alpine Avenue NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504This email address is being protected from spambots. function loadScript(script) { want to measure from the transom to the flat part of this bracket,
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. Most of the time, adding a hydrofoil to an outboard improves performance. Typical motor lengths include the following. 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. MarinePartsMan.com also says that V6 bass-boat engines have a 20-inch shaft. Follow Westshore Marine & Leisure on Wordpress! Where Onboard a Boat is the Transom Located and More About Transom Heights A propeller operates based on the height of the transom. (127 mm). maxMicroAmount: 0.0, If your boat planes, pay extra attention to getting the shaft length as close to perfect as possible. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. The form of a boats transom varies depending on the manufacturer and model. Basically, there are three main ways to measure motor height (that I'm aware of); probably the most common is: # 1: Height of the motor off the transom This is simply a measurement taken from the top of the transom (top of the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor "brackets". However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For example, you can have the Mercury outboard shaft length by model code. So how to measure outboard shaft length? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. With this in mind, how can I determine if my outboard has a short or long shaft? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. You can use a longer shaft than recommended and your boat will work fine. not sure that it's still used. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. Lubrication System Engine Oil Mixed Gasoline. It also decreases the boats lift and increases the time it takes for the boat to reach plane. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. There are 2 steps to help get a relatively accurate figure. Smaller inflatables and dinghies needshort shaft motors, whilst bigger boats require long or, in some circumstances, extreme long shaft versions. This provides seaworthiness and offers maximum protection from large seas. Other boats that need extra long shafts are: Read my other articles on outboard motors. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30 and 35 shaft. Add the two measurements and you get 6 1/2". What is the Virtual Sundance Film Festival? 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. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; Say the 20 shaft is a long shaft length for gas engines, but it is a short shaft length for electric outboard motors. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. If measuring an existing outboard: Measure from the inside top of mounting bracket down to anti-cavitation plate above propeller (this is the largest plate/fin directly above the propeller). It was a 23-foot Crestliner Grand Cayman pontoon boat. If you have a small boat with a 15 to 17 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a short shaft outboard. Be sure to measure carefully and research thoroughly before diving in. Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. the propshaft below or above the pad. As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; When the jet drive is on the motor, set the height so that the leading edge of the intake is flush with the boat bottom. For really big boats, the biggest and baddest six- or eight-cylinder outboards can have extra-extra long shafts up to 30 inches. https:/. Most transom savers can support up to a 150HP motor, which is sufficient for most regular boats. var ptScript = "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/js/pt-mpe.min.js"; A1: Broadly speaking, the outboard motor shaft length for pontoon boat, bass boat, or other larger boats should be long shaft. Check the literature about your model boat online, and you may be surprised to find that the number is published for you. Eq*^?6R83e+j}UY.(M7k]~4g)g ~wmS{ O7t/o(W|X? (3) Move horizontally across the chart until you hit the graph curve. Generally, short shaft outboards are 15 inches, long shaft outboards are 20 inches, and extra-long outboards are 25 inches. height (that I'm aware of); probably the most common is:
disregard the "hooks" at the front of the
#2. bassboat can be a bit confusing at times; hopefully this will help sort
This will be the
Cavitation plates are used on the bottom components of boats to help them operate better. This is probably the worst case scenario out of the two. Outboard motors can be fitted to a variety of boats, so manufacturers have standardized their engines to go on virtually anything. Take the center measurement from the top to the bottom of the hull. Learn More About Your Boats Systems By Joining The Born Again Boating Academy! The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. The pros and cons of properly . This distance is very important to the performance of you boat. The transom in a boat today is a place to hang your outboard motor. Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. Before we start measuring the outboard shaft length, lets get it clear about whats referring to when we talk about the outboard shaft length. var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), would be more accurate.) Ill also explain the difference between short and long shafts and how they vary by type of boat. steel ruler, etc. <>
Or measure from the main engine prop up to the water line? Then finally test your outboard, if the mount is perfect. 7. Workboats, sailboats, and displacement-hulled boats fall into this category. The mounting height of the outboard engine is the equivalent of the distance between the base of the motor and the top of the propeller. Step 2: After you get the transom height, add the radius of the propeller (check the user manual, and then technical drawing for the number) to calculate the minimum shaft length needed to make it work. What Kind of Fuel Does Your Marine Engine Need? Two years ago, I bought a Boston Whaler to fish off the coast. var interval = setInterval(function () { maxTerm: 36, Now that you have a better understanding of boat transom heights its time to take out the ruler and get the perfect measurements. The correct shaft length for your boat depends on a few factors. (function () { #3. The transom is the rear wall of the boat where the outboard engine is mounted in the middle. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. However, youll notice a little increase in drag and a decrease in top-end performance. Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Check out some hot FAQs to help you get the proper outboard shaft lengths. The height of the transom is estimated by using the center line to measure from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. Lastly, knowing the year of your motor and what style of controls you have (side mount, concealed side mount, or binnacle) is also a plus because it will tell the dealer if your current controls are compatible with the motor you are purchasing. var BCData = {"csrf_token":"d7ecb6b56891bb66aee12dbc01a80162b3ed582c1acbe30f16fc9f1b2abc362f"}; With some boats I have a pretty good idea as to what length motor should be hung on them. Make sure that you are measuring straight up, at a 90 degree angle to
Then open up the clamp bucket. actually have the propshaft above the pad.). Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Step 3: Add another 10 cm (4'') to the previous calculation for the final ideal shaft length. He is a 5/rC,aQhsK@Q. Then test the boat and adjust the height, if necessary . Place the point of a yardstick at the middle of the top of the boat transom. 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. The transom is the boats flat vertical part at the back. This restriction includes most fishing boats and longer sailboats. I would ask you to go back and measure the transom of your boat. Many single-engine boats mount a smaller auxiliary motor for emergency use. document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML = ''; It will ensure that the outboards trim will be effective, and it will save you gas too. According to MarinePartsMan.com, the outboard can be raised 1 inch above the standard height for every 10 miles per hour of speed the boat can attain. e-mail
function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. As a yacht designer and boater, I prefer longer shafts. Many boat transoms are modified to use a different length of outboard by using a bracket. The clamp bracket on the latest Mercury Four-Stoke-model outboards has five mounting bolt holes spaced .75 inches apart. if (PayTomorrow) { For over five years he has worked as a newspaper reporter and historic researcher. I show you how to consistently measure your prop to pad height. The shaft length for outboard motors has nothing to do with the water line. Having the cavitation plate a bit lower than the transom is preferable to having it too high. If you have a short shaft motor, the distance between the top of the transom and the bottom of the boat should be between 15 and 16 inches. You also might not be able to lift the outboard out of the water entirely for storage. You must be still in the blue about that matter. Here we will guide you in how to get the right boat transom height. Boat Transom Heights The Beginners Guide, Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. Measure the area of the transom directly where the engine will be mounted. With a jack plate, you can mount it exactly where you want it. See diagram below. Spark Plug 25.0nm(18.4 Ft-lb) (2.55 Kgf-m) You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. An outboard motor can drive just about any sort of boat with proper mounting. since 1986. The vertical distance between the interior of the clamp and the cavitation plate is the shaft length specified by the outboard manufacturer. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. Doing this can have adverse effects. When the right length motor is hung on the transom of a boat, the cavitation plate (the large plate that extends out over the propeller) should be even with the very bottom of the boat. Picking the right shaft length is mostly a factor of the transom height or the back of the boat. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. Basically, there are three main ways to measure motor
Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. 2 0 obj
It also cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. If you decide to make adjustments, please consult a marine engine dealer about the boatdesign. Although the longer outboard shaft length can lead to lower speed and more drag, the boat can push a heavier load. Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. Take a long straight edge, (long carpenter's level or long
The current measurement is the ventilation plate is about 1 1/2" above the true keel line which is about 24" in front of the motor edge. When the boat transom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. If it measures between 17 and 22, youll want to go with a long shaft motor. To measure your outboard motor shaft length, measure from the bottom of the mounting bracket where it rests on the transom to the top of the cavitation plate, this is the horizontal surface of the lower unit immediately above the propeller.