You reply, "Im not sure, I think its a long". This illustration depicts four different outboard mounting height options (courtesy Mercury Marine). Safely but briskly accelerate. As a result, the issue is whether my boat need a short shaft or long shaft motor. It does not store any personal data. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Thats it. Or measure from the main engine prop up to the water line? In the case of a dinghy or johnboat, this point may be the top of the transom. |. Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. Among them will be first-timers or those who have recently purchased their boats. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. will be to the flat part; if you measure to the bottom of the brackets steel ruler, etc. If youre looking for a bracket that can handle motors of up to 10/15 horsepower, go no further. former editor at Boating Magazine and contributor to many national publications Finding the right size is a matter of looking at what youve got and taking out the measuring tape. 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. Required fields are marked *. Pretty easy to figure out but like I said its crucial to pairing a motor with a boat. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. This will be the Pad to bottom of Rebuilt - What You Need to Know, Lower Unit and Sterndrive Break-In Instructions. Also, the boat will be more likely to hit bottom or submerge objects such as rocks or logs. Engine Oil Type Genuine or Recommended 2str Engine Oil. x\[D~OUCO6[j](l%ay <8cylY{.L2s#]~U6A|Wj]-oo|mubqY6wbY_|!>Z8(RB:RHeTzOGO_=~t\ Cutting the transom down is the only legal method to utilize a short shaft engine on a tall transom. var addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@' + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML += ''+addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5+'<\/a>'; If your outboard motor height. If you have already measured you transom tip to bottom to be 20", then if you place aux sdieways to central engine your available transom height will be probably 1"-1.5" " higher and work perfecty. If it measures between 17 and 22, youll want to go with a long shaft motor. Boat hulls are designed in three basic types that range from slow displacement and semi-displacement hulls to the fastest planing hulls. Any questions? from the transom. Another important measurement is the transom angle. Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. Transom Outboard Engine Position - YouTube Hold the tape on the top, center of the taffrail and measure straight down to the point, usually a sharp angle, where the transom joins the bottom of the boat. The most common percent angle is probably 12, however spec sheets for O/B and I/O boats may show 10 percent, 12 percent, and 14 degrees. The first order of business is to measure your boat for the ideal fit. To achieve this, the motor itself has to be attached at the correct height. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. Well, raising the outboard motor can be an easy task for you. 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. Here we will guide you in how to get the right boat transom height. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. Picking the right shaft length for your outboard is an essential step in getting the best performance from your boat. This measurement is primarily designed for single motor propulsion. *The Factors indicates the adjustment affected by on your boat type, the outboard working environment, and the transom distance as discussed above. Here we look at the effects of standard, lower and higher mounting. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. #2. your motor will be higher.) Boat Transom Heights - The Beginner's Guide | My Westshore If you have a small boat with a 15 to 17 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a short shaft outboard. Other boats that need long shafts are. Using your existing control box and gauges will save you quite a bit of money in the end. The faster your boat, the more critical it is to get the sizing just right. How high exactly do you have to raise the transom?-. Plus, a low transom cut is an invitation for the water to flood the boat. | Sitemap, The Marine Parts Warehouse Outboard Museum, OBR Powerhead / Shortblock Warranty Claim Form, Remanufactured vs. 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. 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). 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. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. since 1986. }) } }); })(document); How To Mount An Outboard Motor Properly - Start to Finish! <>/Metadata 127 0 R/ViewerPreferences 128 0 R>> However, youll notice a little increase in drag and a decrease in top-end performance. var BCData = {"csrf_token":"d7ecb6b56891bb66aee12dbc01a80162b3ed582c1acbe30f16fc9f1b2abc362f"}; However, the shaft length for smaller boats could be long or short depending on its style, speed requirement, etc. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) What is Transom Height? It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. 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. However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The collapsing bubbles are loaded with extremely low-pressure water vapor, which causes damage to a variety of surfaces as they collapse. jackplate to a point level with the top of the transom. How to Choose Between a Motor Tote and Transom Saver to Support an var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), 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. If it measures anywhere from 17" to around 22", then your going to want to go with a long shaft motor. primeApr: 12.99, Check out some hot FAQs to help you get the proper outboard shaft lengths. How Transom Height Is Measured It varies between different motors and boats. You may wonder how deep your prop should be in the water. So from there, I will try to help out by asking questions about your boat such as what type it is and the length. Outboard motors can be fitted to a variety of boats, so manufacturers have standardized their engines to go on virtually anything. So you should just measure the height of the boats transom from the center down to the lowest point of the hull, and compare transom height with the outboard shaft length numbers. How can you figure out what your transom angle is? hulls, such as Allisons, Bullets, Strokers, etc., this measurement could Add the two measurements and you get 6 1/2". The engine may be lifted one inch for every eight to ten inches of distance between the transom and the prop, according to a boat riggers rule of thumb. 3 0 obj Beefier jack plates can be fitted should a boater be looking to mount an outboard with a shorter shaft than their transom demands. 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? Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom can create excessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. h[0].appendChild(s); h[0].appendChild(s); Not to measure boat speed, but to gauge the mounting height of the outboard motor on the boat transom. The brackets can add 1 inch to the overall mounting height of the outboard. Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. This is a measurement that has been used for BassCats, I'm Before we start measuring the outboard shaft length, lets get it clear about whats referring to when we talk about the outboard shaft length. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Your email address will not be published. Step 3: Add another 10 cm (4'') to the previous calculation for the final ideal shaft length. The lowest point will likely be directly under your drain plug if youve got one. All rights reserved. But, how do you measure it? What's the best height for my boat motor? Happy boating! Also, how do you determine the length of an outboard transom? Keith Allen, a 1979 graduate of Valley City State College, has worked at a variety of jobs including computer operator, medical clinic manager, radio talk show host and potato sorter. For really big boats, the biggest and baddest six- or eight-cylinder outboards can have extra-extra long shafts up to 30 inches. With this in mind, how can I determine if my outboard has a short or long shaft? If you have a question or need additional information. minAmount: 300.0, #1: Height However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. Be sure to measure carefully and research thoroughly before diving in. But in many cases, its a little more complicated than that alone. A reverse transom that sits too high can impact the propellers of the motor and motor bracket. (In the case of the faster You must be still in the blue about that matter. How do you measure a transom on an outboard motor? When it gets to the short side (14), When the inner corner of the square comes into touch with the transom, measure the distance between the inside corner of the square and the boat bottom (see drawing below). Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. Measure straight down to the lowest point on the hull. How-To: Pick A Great Portable Outboard Motor (2023 Guide) This measurement would be the inches of So how to determine the outboard shaft length? The pros and cons of properly . Other boats that need extra long shafts are: Read my other articles on outboard motors. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Some outboards have a serial number that tells you which shaft length to go for. Boat transom angles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. Doing this can have adverse effects. This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. 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. As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. I hope this helps someone out in their search for a new or newer outboard this season. 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. 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. Ideally, you want the outboards cavitation plate, also called the anti-ventilation plate, to be at the same level as the bottom of your hull. 7. If you go too short your more than likely going to cavitate and loose power. How to Measure Transom Height For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. The mounting height of an outboard motor can impact the speed and handling characteristics of the boat. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. Thats a fairly simple list of symptoms, but if your motor is too low, youll probably notice at least one of them. To make the yard stick long enough to measure the length of all the clubs, tape the ruler to the top. 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. To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. gtag('config', 'G-QX0Y76NH40'); Whether your on a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or speedboat boating is always one of the best times you can have. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. Workboats, sailboats, and displacement-hulled boats fall into this category. A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. With a motor tote, the outboard and boat move as one, independently of the trailer, so there are no concerns about the boat shifting on the trailer, he says. Learn More About Your Boats Systems By Joining The Born Again Boating Academy! This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. With some boats I have a pretty good idea as to what length motor should be hung on them. Many single-engine boats mount a smaller auxiliary motor for emergency use. Displacement hulled vessels like sailboats and workboats can benefit from a little more space between the hull and cavitation plate, but not much. Another important measurement is the transom angle. 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. A: The short answer is Yes. The form of a boats transom varies depending on the manufacturer and model. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. straight edge on the top of the transom to "extend" it out Selecting the Correct Size Outboard Shaft, What is the Best Outboard Motor for Saltwater, Diagnosing Common Outboard Motor Problems, Best Beginner Boats Everything You Need to Know. parallel with the straight edge. 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. All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. To sum up, there is a simple calculator of the shaft length for outboard motors: Outboard Shaft Length = Transom Height +/- Factors. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by, If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have the. 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. This exhaust port should be about 1 inch above the water line when the boat is idling. You'll need a short shaft outboard if it's 15 or less than an inch shorter. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. There The greater the number, the more the drive may sway (also called tuck under or negative trim). An outboard motor can drive just about any sort of boat with proper mounting. A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. 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. A: Any boat that has a 21 to 27 inch aft transom will need an extra long shaft outboard. It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. LOYALHEARTDY Outboard Motor 6 HP 2-Stroke Inflatable Fishing Boat A hydrofoil will typically level off the ride by driving the stern up and the bow down, and will stop or considerably minimize porposing on a 16 footer with a mid-sized outboard and no tabs, for example. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. xmlHttp.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/json'); The boater must also consider if the boat transomsupport is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. Raising an outboard higher on the transom can reduce drag and raise top speed. Later in the article is an image that shows you exactly where to measure. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. A1: Broadly speaking, the outboard motor shaft length for pontoon boat, bass boat, or other larger boats should be long shaft. This is also known as the shaft length. mpeSelector: ".pt-mpe", How to Raise Outboard Motor on Transom? - Raising the Outboard Motor window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including boat maintenance and boat basics. It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. You can use a longer shaft than recommended and your boat will work fine. The engine must be linked to the transom at the proper height for a propeller to best meet specific boating demands. actually have the propshaft above the pad.). Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. 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. This is the dimension you'll need to know when deciding between a short shaft, long shaft or extra long shaft for your outboard motor. Is my outboard long or short shaft? stream and I'll explain it better, (or point you to someone that can help. 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 motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. Then, you can pick the right engine. Whether you already own a boat or looking for your first watercraft we are here to service your needs. The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. The transom is the boats flat vertical part at the back. Since the ventilation plate & foil are burried under water it is obviously too low. With a jack plate, you can mount it exactly where you want it. 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. Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing thebest boat engine. Ten years ago I bought my first boat. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. Figuring out how to measure motor height on a To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. })(); The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. He is a This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If so, send me an Chances are the boat was designed with a specific size of outboard in mind. measuring; you may have to "extend" the flat part of the The clamp bracket on the latest Mercury Four-Stoke-model outboards has five mounting bolt holes spaced .75 inches apart. This could also affect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. 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. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. clearInterval(interval); The standard installation of an outboard has the top of the transom of the boat at the same level as the bottom of the motor portion of the outboard. Measuring Motor Height - BassBoat Central Its important to note that manufacturers call their models different things. Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). 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. Read the measurement on the transoms bottom. These allow the mounting of a standard length outboard behind the transom. would be more accurate.) If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. Amazon has plate extensions to allow adjustments without buying a new motor: T-H Marine Jack Plate Extension. maxTerm: 36, The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Yes, if there is adequate space while the engine is tilted in the up position, a larger shaft length than what is specified may be used. With the long side (22 1/2), place a carpenters square ) in opposition to the keel. function loadScript(script) { debugMode: false, Doing so, will put the propeller right below the boat. Brackets are also handy for boats that do not have flat transoms, like canoe-stern sailboats or fan-tailed motor vessels. Boats that use longer outboard shafts include: Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. Outboard Motor Shaft Length - LeeRoy's Ramblings Place the clubs bottom on the ground as though it were going to be used to strike a golf ball. The boat transom can be flat with zero degree angles. 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. ), and place it on the bottom of the pad in the center. Propshaft in maxMicroAmount: 0.0, If you went too long it would still work but it may lack in performance. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. boats.com, 1221 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, USA. Top 10 Choices for Boaters, Mercury Introduces 600HP V12 Verado Outboard Engine, The Outboard Expert: Tohatsu Propane Outboard Engine. Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat. function mpeInit() { At least if its too long you can raise the motor or "build up" your transom. bracket. #3. The distance between the ends of a transom is measured in inches. Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. A deep Vee hull will result in a different measurement than a flatter . Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. 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". straight edge from the center of the pad, but this time you're measuring endobj (We wont go into name-calling here, but the actual term for the cavitation plate is an anti-ventilation plate.) The flat part of the bracket that rests on the transom when mounted will give you the same point of reference as the transom does on the boat. Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. Long shafts are 20-inches long. Step 2 requires the propeller's radius (check the user manual and then the technical drawing). The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. Cavitation plates are used on the bottom components of boats to help them operate better. 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. However, your boat will have slightly more drag which will reduce your maximum speed. (616) 364-0666, On all contiguous US part orders over $100. Generally, short shaft outboards are 15 inches, long shaft outboards are 20 inches, and extra-long outboards are 25 inches. Generally, the anti-ventilation plate on most engines is aligned with the bottom of the vessel.
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