How Low Should a Motor Set on a Pontoon Boat? (Explained) Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. https://www.bornagainboating.com/Get Your Born Again Boating Clothing! 5/rC,aQhsK@Q. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Which Navigation Lights Does Your Boat Need? var addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@' + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML += ''+addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5+'<\/a>'; Remanufactured 4 Cylinder 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Remanufactured 6 Cylinder 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Trim Relays, Trim Solenoids & Sending Units, Remanufactured V6 & V8 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Volvo Cobra SX Bearings and Bearing Carriers, Volvo Cobra SX Driveshaft, U-Joints & Parts, Volvo Cobra SX Transom Assembly & Bellows. A yardstick will help you determine if your outboard engine is at the right height. If the propeller fails to ventilate, the motor is mounted to low. if (PayTomorrow) { ensure that your measurement is accurate. The center is the point where your outboard motor is (ideally) located. xmlHttp.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/json'); var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. Extra-long shafts are 25-inches long. Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. 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. How can you figure out what your transom angle is? Mounting the outboard a little bit lower than the standard point could avoid the possible ventilation and slip on acceleration. In the second photo, we've measure down from the top of the Detwiler For really big boats, the biggest and baddest six- or eight-cylinder outboards can have extra-extra long shafts up to 30 inches. There Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. It also cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. height (that I'm aware of); probably the most common is: This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. MPW eBay Store - Thousands of New OEM Old Stock Parts! Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. 7. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. Other boats that need long shafts are. 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. Many boat transoms are modified to use a different length of outboard by using a bracket. Then, you can pick the right engine. the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. Youll need a short shaft outboard if its 15 or less than an inch shorter. <> Beyond motorboats designed for large outboards, you will see outboards hanging on the sterns of everything from small canoes to large cruising sailboats. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? If you decide to make adjustments, please consult a marine engine dealer about the boat design. It is unsafe to have the engine block too close to the water on a low transom. This could also affect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. Read the following to get the optimal shaft length for outboard motors! The vertical distance between the interior of the clamp and the cavitation plate is the shaft length specified by the outboard manufacturer. Cavitation plates are used on the bottom components of boats to help them operate better. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. Thats it. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. What are Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and Channels? The same is true for the newest, high-powered offshore fishing boats, where triple or quadruple motor setups are becoming more and more common. The motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. enableMoreInfoLink: true, Whats the best height for my boat motor? How do you measure a transom on an outboard motor? This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. 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 boater must also consider if the boat transomsupport is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. d.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (e) { Recommended Engine Oil 2-Stroke Outboard Motor Oil. 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). Having the cavitation plate too low will cause excess drag and reduced performance at high speeds. (127 mm). To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. You reply, "Im not sure, I think its a long". 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. Some boats are equipped with transom-hung outboards while others have a bracket. Beefier jack plates can be fitted should a boater be looking to mount an outboard with a shorter shaft than their transom demands. It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. priceSelector: ".price--withoutTax, span.price.price--withTax", This could also effect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. 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. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. would be more accurate.) As you can see, the measurement is about 2 1/2". Boost Speed with Outboard Engine Height Adjustments So from there, I will try to help out by asking questions about your boat such as what type it is and the length. Smaller inflatables and dinghies needshort shaft motors, whilst bigger boats require long or, in some circumstances, extreme long shaft versions. An inch or two probably wont make a big difference, but any more than that will lead to trouble. Step 2 requires the propeller's radius (check the user manual and then the technical drawing). The brackets can add 1 inch to the overall mounting height of the outboard. disregard the "hooks" at the front of the This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. How To Mount An Outboard Motor Properly - Start to Finish! Step 3: Add another 10 cm (4'') to the previous calculation for the final ideal shaft length. As a yacht designer and boater, I prefer longer shafts. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure google plus page! C Cheaptoon Cadet Joined Aug 4, 2010 Messages 28 Aug 24, 2010 #4 Re: Motor height on pontoon? Before we start measuring the outboard shaft length, lets get it clear about whats referring to when we talk about the outboard shaft length. (function (d) { Be sure to measure carefully and research thoroughly before diving in. Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) My family and I used it to fish, ski (yes, you can ski behind a pontoon boat), and cruise the lakes near our home. I mean, who wants to purchase something as expensive as an outboard to only realize you bought the wrong one. Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing thebest boat engine. stream To do so, you will want to measure at the exact center of the transom from the very top to the very bottom. Setting Height of Outboard Motor - YouTube You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. Lubrication System Engine Oil Mixed Gasoline. A1: Broadly speaking, the outboard motor shaft length for pontoon boat, bass boat, or other larger boats should be long shaft. I show you how to consistently measure your prop to pad height. This is probably the worst case scenario out of the two. Why wont Touch ID be under the screen in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16? Whether your on a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or speedboat boating is always one of the best times you can have. I mean it is better to be safe than sorry, am I right? To do so, measure from the stern (back) of the boat to the midpoint of the hull on both sides. If you said something smaller than that, thats where it can get tricky. (Putting a :$I>M W$h"%U_yzIb?]NHg_G|r@nX eTf."SQ 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. 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. There are instances where a lower mount may be okay. If it measures anywhere from 17" to around 22", then your going to want to go with a long shaft motor. There are a series of four to six holes at the top of the bracket, and the lower bolts actually fit into slots. Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. This provides seaworthiness and offers maximum protection from large seas. Cutting the transom down is the only legal method to utilize a short shaft engine on a tall transom. A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. All boats are different, and the motor manufacturers produce a variety of standard lengths. Later in the article is an image that shows you exactly where to measure. (616) 364-0666, On all contiguous US part orders over $100. var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), A: Any boat that has a 21 to 27 inch aft transom will need an extra long shaft outboard. Now that you have a better understanding of boat transom heights its time to take out the ruler and get the perfect measurements. Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. You will also risk hitting bottom or submerge objects more frequently such as rocks or logs. Triton. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Over time, Boating Hub has grown into a resource for boating enthusiasts around world. 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. <>/Metadata 127 0 R/ViewerPreferences 128 0 R>> Is my outboard long or short shaft? It is very versatile as it generally . Kicker Motor Shaft Length - This Old Boat - Lake Ontario United - Lake Step 2: Three Variables to Consider What's the best height for my boat motor? Actual shaft length is 21.5" on those. I believe 20 to 21 inches is the optimum length for a lengthy shaft. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30 and 35 shaft. Finding the right size is a matter of looking at what youve got and taking out the measuring tape. This will ensure the best performance. manufacturer will recommend the outboard height according to the bracket shape and length. (Any measurement given as "off the transom" ), Al Shields I would ask you to go back and measure the transom of your boat. In step 3, add another 10 cm (4") to the previous calculation in order to develop the ideal shaft length. xmlHttp.open('POST', 'https://bes.gcp.data.bigcommerce.com/nobot'); How-To: Pick A Great Portable Outboard Motor (2023 Guide) Expectedly, when the transom angle is zero, it means it is flat. Other boats that need short shafts are: A: If you have a small boat with a 18 to 21 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a long shaft outboard. trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. However, your boat will have slightly more drag which will reduce your maximum speed. boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. You may wonder how deep your prop should be in the water. So you should just measure the height of the boat's transom from the center down to the lowest point of the hull, and compare transom height with the outboard shaft length numbers. Commonly, the transom angle ranges from 0-30 degrees, with the average transom angle set at 14 degrees. Figuring out how to measure motor height on a If it measures between 17 and 22, youll want to go with a long shaft motor. Like Westshore Marine & Leisure on Facebook! former editor at Boating Magazine and contributor to many national publications If so, send me an Propshaft in It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. Picking the right shaft length is mostly a factor of the transom height or the back of the boat. For slower boats, its less critical to. *The Factors indicates the adjustment affected by on your boat type, the outboard working environment, and the transom distance as discussed above. logoColor: "original", not sure that it's still used. However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. The Effects of Standard, Lower and Higher Mounting. 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. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. 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. To make the yard stick long enough to measure the length of all the clubs, tape the ruler to the top. Boat Transom Heights - The Beginner's Guide | My Westshore In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. You must be still in the blue about that matter. To sum up, there is a simple calculator of the shaft length for outboard motors: Outboard Shaft Length = Transom Height +/- Factors. You can order an outboard in lengths ranging from 15 inches to 30 inches, depending on its power output and possible uses. This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. and I'll explain it better, (or point you to someone that can help. The engine must be linked to the transom at the proper height for a propeller to best meet specific boating demands. If you have a fast boat, getting the outboards cavitation plate at the same level of the hull will ensure quick hole shot and fast top-end speeds. WHAT LENGTH OUTBOARD DO YOU REALLY NEED? - Van's Sport Center bracket. But, how do you measure it? If you have a question or need additional information. endobj When trimming your motor, they provide you a greater bow response. If you went too long it would still work but it may lack in performance. All you need to do is measure how much to rise. Rebuilt - What You Need to Know, Lower Unit and Sterndrive Break-In Instructions. <>/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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure Youtube page! 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. Top 10 Choices for Boaters, Mercury Introduces 600HP V12 Verado Outboard Engine, The Outboard Expert: Tohatsu Propane Outboard Engine. As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. Then test the boat and adjust the height, if necessary . On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. I run a 9.9 Mercury Bigfoot 20" shaft off the swim platform of my 89 Trophy 2160. Oftentimes you will want to adjust the outboard shaft length in order to improve the boat performance such as speed. Here are several situations on how you should adjust the outboard shaft length: Mounting the outboard a little bit higher than the standard point could reduce drag, improve RPM at full throttle, and therefore improve speed and make it easier for the boat to get on plane. When the boattransom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. 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