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. Smaller inflatables and dinghies needshort shaft motors, whilst bigger boats require long or, in some circumstances, extreme long shaft versions. I live for the weekends when I can go out on the water and escape the stress of life on land. If you have a question or need additional information. In the case of a larger offshore boat, it may be to the top of a cutout on the . displayPrimeOffers: true, 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. Say the 20 shaft is a long shaft length for gas engines, but it is a short shaft length for electric outboard motors. (In the case of the faster You dont have to be a mathematician to determine the correct boat transomangle. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. 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. 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. Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. The form of a boats transom varies depending on the manufacturer and model. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. 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. var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), In the second photo, we've measure down from the top of the Detwiler This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. (1) Multiply the overall length of your boat (in feet) by it's widest beam at the stern (excluding any Fins and or Shear) (2) Locate that value on the left hand vertical column of the chart below. Kicker Motor Shaft Length - This Old Boat - Lake Ontario United - Lake Required fields are marked *. Spark Plug 25.0nm(18.4 Ft-lb) (2.55 Kgf-m) window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. 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. Pretty easy to figure out but like I said its crucial to pairing a motor with a boat. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. } maxTerm: 36, High powered boats usually only come in long and extra-long variants. jackplate to a point level with the top of the transom. The amount of degrees the transom leans back from vertical is known as the transom angle. My family and I used it to fish, ski (yes, you can ski behind a pontoon boat), and cruise the lakes near our home. Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. This is probably the worst case scenario out of the two. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. 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. loadScript(ptScript); actually have the propshaft above the pad.). #1: Height Most transom savers can support up to a 150HP motor, which is sufficient for most regular boats. This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. Most of the standard engined boats it takes shafts that are 15-30inches long. Two years ago, I bought a Boston Whaler to fish off the coast. This placement is not only recommended but it will give you the best performance compared to something that is too long or too short. August 9/08). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Guide to Boat Transom Heights - Marine Parts Warehouse This will be the 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}'); Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) This was the height of my 225 Yamaha on my TR21 The first order of business is to measure your boat for the ideal fit. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. h[0].appendChild(s); The distance between the ends of a transom is measured in inches. (function () { the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor A: The answer varies by boat, but here are some rules of thumb for matching a short shaft outboard to your boat. Smaller 12-14 foot boats can require either a short or long shaft outboard depending on the style of the boat and the brand. AztH ^zv_ cT,E1K/rAB54| brackets. There are a series of four to six holes at the top of the bracket, and the lower bolts actually fit into slots. It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure google plus page! will be to the flat part; if you measure to the bottom of the brackets (3) Move horizontally across the chart until you hit the graph curve. Well, raising the outboard motor can be an easy task for you. So from there, I will try to help out by asking questions about your boat such as what type it is and the length. since 1986. Read the measurement on the transoms bottom. 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. Look at the part of your motor that would be Boats that use longer outboard shafts include: This could also affect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. Yamaha Outboard Motors: How To Measure Leg Length With such an important, long-term, and expensive upgrade, its never a bad idea to double-check. Picking the right shaft length for your outboard is an essential step in getting the best performance from your boat. On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. Place the rulers end on the ground behind the club and let the club to rest on top of it. 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. This provides seaworthiness and offers maximum protection from large seas. 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. They operate as a planing surface, allowing your boat to climb to the top more quickly. Boat Transom Heights - The Beginner's Guide | My Westshore Boat hulls are designed in three basic types that range from slow displacement and semi-displacement hulls to the fastest planing hulls. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It varies between different motors and boats. var addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@'; When mounting the engine, you want the cavitation plate to be 1 above the boat bottom for every 12 away from the transom. The boat transom can be flat with zero degree angles. On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. Boost Speed with Outboard Engine Height Adjustments Where Onboard a Boat is the Transom Located and More About Transom Heights A propeller operates based on the height of the transom. The correct shaft length for your boat depends on a few factors. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. If youd like to see this in video format, skip to 0:44 in the below YouTube Video: Is it OK to put a long shaft outboard on a boat thats rated for a short shaft? The boater must also consider if the boat transom support is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. Having the cavitation plate a bit lower than the transom is preferable to having it too high. Expectedly, when the transom angle is zero, it means it is flat. To do so, you will want to measure at the exact center of the transom from the very top to the very bottom. As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. If you are running a twin-engine setup, then measure the same distance from each clamping plate to the bottom of the hull. 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. Your at your local outboard dealer shopping for a new motor and the salesman hits you with the question, "short or long shaft?". All rights reserved. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. How Transom Height Is Measured An outboard motor can drive just about any sort of boat with proper mounting. 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. #3. Outboard Motor Shaft Length For Pontoon Boat - Survival Tech Shop Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. This measurement would be the inches of For most boaters this is a no brainer, but for the novice or inexperienced boater it may be a tougher question. You run the risk of possibly unsafe handling if you attempt to put a long shaft engine on a transom designed for a short shaft engine. How the outboard will sit on the back of the boat depends on how the transom is designed. This is somewhat similar to #2, in that you are again measuring with a e-mail However, your boat will have slightly more drag which will reduce your maximum speed. Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. storeDisplayName: "Marine Parts Warehouse", What Types of Documents Can be Sent to your Kindle Library? The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. This will ensure the best performance. The pressure behind your hand dropped as you slid your hand back and forth through the water. Top 10 Choices for Boaters, Mercury Introduces 600HP V12 Verado Outboard Engine, The Outboard Expert: Tohatsu Propane Outboard Engine. How to Raise Outboard Motor on Transom? - Raising the Outboard Motor As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. 2 0 obj The motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. Place the bracket on the transom to the left of the main outboard or rudder. Transom Outboard Engine Position - YouTube Small motors built for sailboats might come in a unique configuration with an extremely long shaft since these are mounted higher off the water. Measure straight down to the lowest point on the hull. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. Step 3: Add another 10 cm (4'') to the previous calculation for the final ideal shaft length. These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. 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 number will likely be shorter than that for a single-engine installation since you do not necessarily measure to the point of the keel. your motor will be higher.) What's the best height for my boat motor? However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. How do you measure a transom on an outboard motor? Brackets are also handy for boats that do not have flat transoms, like canoe-stern sailboats or fan-tailed motor vessels. A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. height (that I'm aware of); probably the most common is: 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. 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. I believe 20 to 21 inches is the optimum length for a lengthy shaft. Cavitation plates are used on the bottom components of boats to help them operate better. Its where the outboard motor is attached, and its also where some boat owners put the boats name. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. This distance is very important to the performance of you boat. It moves an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise. Among them will be first-timers or those who have recently purchased their boats. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are instances where a lower mount may be okay. If possible for your peace of mind and not let down that magnificent purchase opportunity, place that 08 kicker at back transom and test for yourself. Problems with getting the ventilation plate too low include slower hole-shot and lower top-end speeds. All rights reserved. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. resting on the transom if you had the motor all the way down on the boat and I'll explain it better, (or point you to someone that can help. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Propshaft in up to the bottom of the motor brackets, (as in #1). What is Transom Height? 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). A big NO. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. If you decide to make adjustments, please consult a marine engine dealer about the boat design. The height is approximately six inches higher than with a propeller. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by, If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have the. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. 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. This restriction includes most fishing boats and longer sailboats. The boat transom can be flat with zero degree angles. If youre looking for a bracket that can handle motors of up to 10/15 horsepower, go no further. Over time, Boating Hub has grown into a resource for boating enthusiasts around world. To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). What are Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and Channels? If you have a jackplate, you may have to get a bit creative in your Mounting kicker motor - General Discussion Forum | In-Depth Outdoors Any questions? 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. Then finally test your outboard, if the mount is perfect. If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. The Effects of Standard, Lower and Higher Mounting. 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. A: Any boat that has a 21 to 27 inch aft transom will need an extra long shaft outboard. Youll need a short shaft outboard if its 15 or less than an inch shorter. motor brackets maxMicroAmount: 0.0, The vertical distance between the interior of the clamp and the cavitation plate is the shaft length specified by the outboard manufacturer. Engine Oil Mixing Ratio Fuel 50: Engine Oil 1. var BCData = {"csrf_token":"d7ecb6b56891bb66aee12dbc01a80162b3ed582c1acbe30f16fc9f1b2abc362f"}; xmlHttp.open('POST', 'https://bes.gcp.data.bigcommerce.com/nobot'); }) } }); })(document); disregard the downward pointing "hooks" at the front of the Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. See diagram below. Setting Height of Outboard Motor - YouTube Doing this can have adverse effects. straight edge from the center of the pad, but this time you're measuring 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. help with shaft length for a kicker - iboats Boating Forums if (PayTomorrow) { It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. of the motor off the transom s.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript"); This is the dimension you'll need when selecting a width for your outboard motor's mounting bracket. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transom's height. If your outboard motor height. You'll need a short shaft outboard if it's 15 or less than an inch shorter. Some may call it a standard length while others may call it a short or a long shaft. Measuring the shaft length can be done in various ways, but the most common way is by using a tape measure. Extra-extra long shafts are 30-inches long. You must be still in the blue about that matter. Small portable outboards ranging from 2 to 20 horsepower are usually sold only in short or long shaft versions. the propshaft below or above the pad. Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. primeApr: 12.99, Upstream Securitys Disruptive Telematics Technology, The challenges of scaling a cloud-based security system, OneStreams unified platform streamlines financial data management, OneStreams impact on the financial software market. The first step is to determine the height of your boat's transom. Engine Oil Type Genuine or Recommended 2str Engine Oil. To make the yard stick long enough to measure the length of all the clubs, tape the ruler to the top. debugMode: false, 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. maxAmount: 6500.0, (616) 364-0666, On all contiguous US part orders over $100. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. What the relationship to the pontoons is, I couldn't say. The brackets can add 1 inch to the overall mounting height of the outboard. To break it down a bit more for you: Short shafts are 15-inches long. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. LOYALHEARTDY Outboard Motor 6 HP 2-Stroke Inflatable Fishing Boat Since the ventilation plate & foil are burried under water it is obviously too low. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. bracket. What matters is the actual measurement in the specifications, not the name. What Is Boat Transom Height? | Gone Outdoors | Your Adventure Awaits The clamp bracket is designed so that the engine's mounting height on the transom can be adjusted higher than standard. 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 is very versatile as it generally . This measurement was approximately 4". Place the point of a yardstick at the middle of the top of the boat transom. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It also decreases the boats lift and increases the time it takes for the boat to reach plane. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.2 841.8] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 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. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. function mpeInit() { Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. Depending on the manufacturer, size names might change. All you need to do is measure how much to rise. measuring; you may have to "extend" the flat part of the And the rule of thumb is that you should keep the cavitation plate level with the bottom or keel of the boat. A2: Instead of changing to the short outboard shaft, you can try the Jack Plate first. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. Read the following to get the optimal shaft length for outboard motors! https:/. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? You also might not be able to lift the outboard out of the water entirely for storage. steel ruler, etc. 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. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. Another important measurement is the transom angle. If it measures anywhere from 17" to around 22", then your going to want to go with a long shaft motor. 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".