An inch or two probably wont make a big difference, but any more than that will lead to trouble. boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. The transom is the boats flat vertical part at the back. ), Al Shields
The lowest point will likely be directly under your drain plug if youve got one. Engine Oil Type Genuine or Recommended 2str Engine Oil. When the boattransom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. 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. You'll need a short shaft outboard if it's 15 or less than an inch shorter. Height Measurement: Recommended Shaft Length: 14" - 17.25" 15" Shaft (Short) 17.25" - 19.5" Varies by application 19.5" - 22.5" What Types of Documents Can be Sent to your Kindle Library? Extra-long shafts are 25-inches long. Use the mounting bracket on the motor to know where it will sit on the boat. At least if its too long you can raise the motor or "build up" your transom. Most of the standard engined boats it takes shafts that are 15-30inches long. Determining Your Boat Transom Angle The transom angle - commonly measured in degrees - is the transom's vertical inclination. 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. Usually speaking, the farther the outboard is set off the transom, the higher the propeller should be in the water (or the higher the outboard can be mounted). Cutting the transom down is the only legal method to utilize a short shaft engine on a tall transom. Typical motor lengths include the following. Some may call it a standard length while others may call it a short or a long shaft. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Amazon has plate extensions to allow adjustments without buying a new motor: T-H Marine Jack Plate Extension. Rebuilt - What You Need to Know, Lower Unit and Sterndrive Break-In Instructions. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. var BCData = {"csrf_token":"d7ecb6b56891bb66aee12dbc01a80162b3ed582c1acbe30f16fc9f1b2abc362f"}; You will also risk hitting bottom or submerge objects more frequently such as rocks or logs. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Ten years ago I bought my first boat. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. Since the ventilation plate & foil are burried under water it is obviously too low. The clamp bracket on the latest Mercury Four-Stoke-model outboards has five mounting bolt holes spaced .75 inches apart. 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 motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. If you have a small boat with a 15 to 17 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a short shaft outboard. 3 0 obj
In step 3, add another 10 cm (4") to the previous calculation in order to develop the ideal shaft length. from the transom. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30. Then, you can pick the right engine. Small motors built for sailboats might come in a unique configuration with an extremely long shaft since these are mounted higher off the water. Displacement hulled vessels like sailboats and workboats can benefit from a little more space between the hull and cavitation plate, but not much. It does not store any personal data. 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. actually have the propshaft above the pad.). 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. Check out the full chart of the Mercury outboard model code and its features. What is Transom Height? However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. If your outboard motor height. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Which Navigation Lights Does Your Boat Need? Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. Beyond motorboats designed for large outboards, you will see outboards hanging on the sterns of everything from small canoes to large cruising sailboats. bracket. Many boat transoms are modified to use a different length of outboard by using a bracket. Also, how do you determine the length of an outboard transom? If your boat planes, pay extra attention to getting the shaft length as close to perfect as possible. This placement is not only recommended but it will give you the best performance compared to something that is too long or too short. 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. Knowing the width, height and depth of your transom allows you to make several important decisions when selecting or purchasing a new outboard. This measurement would be the inches of
The shaft length for outboard motors has nothing to do with the water line. For vee-shaped hulls, the lowest spot of the hull will come to point, while on flat-bottomed boats it will be more or less level. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you are looking to repower, they may be able to offer some sage advice. storeDisplayName: "Marine Parts Warehouse", Also, the boat will be more likely to hit bottom or submerge objects such as rocks or logs. For slower boats, its less critical to. You can use a longer shaft than recommended and your boat will work fine. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. 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. With some boats I have a pretty good idea as to what length motor should be hung on them. Whether you already own a boat or looking for your first watercraft we are here to service your needs. Actually there is no designated letter for short shaft. 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. How can you figure out what your transom angle is? Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure Youtube page! Then test the boat and adjust the height, if necessary . An outboard motor can drive just about any sort of boat with proper mounting. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; It will ensure that the outboards trim will be effective, and it will save you gas too. Learn More About Your Boats Systems By Joining The Born Again Boating Academy! It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. Generally, the anti-ventilation plate on most engines is aligned with the bottom of the vessel. Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat. (function () { He is a The transom in a boat today is a place to hang your outboard motor. Chances are the boat was designed with a specific size of outboard in mind. This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. enableMoreInfoLink: true, straight edge on the top of the transom to "extend" it out
s.setAttribute("href", "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/css/pt-mpe.min.css"); Commonly, the transom angle ranges from 0-30 degrees, with the average transom angle set at 14 degrees. Doing so, will put the propeller right below the boat. 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. 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}'); Read the measurement on the transoms bottom. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. (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. The faster your boat, the more critical it is to get the sizing just right. Step 2: Three Variables to Consider On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. 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. Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn includingboat maintenanceand boat basics. Place the bracket on the transom to the left of the main outboard or rudder. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. Place the clubs bottom on the ground as though it were going to be used to strike a golf ball. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. 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. 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. 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". function mpeInit() { 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. Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. 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? This is the dimension you'll need when selecting a width for your outboard motor's mounting bracket. Extra-extra long shafts are 30-inches long. A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. One of the great things about an outboard motor is how versatile it is. If you decide to make adjustments, please consult a marine engine dealer about the boatdesign. Smaller 12-14 foot boats can require either a short or long shaft outboard depending on the style of the boat and the brand. Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. a Detwiler manual jackplate. If you have a jackplate, you may have to get a bit creative in your
The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. Brackets are also handy for boats that do not have flat transoms, like canoe-stern sailboats or fan-tailed motor vessels. See diagram below. Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. would be more accurate.) Bass boats, ski boats, or center cockpit vessels will want to double-check their measurements to get it just right. One of the main concerns is causing the engine to overheat if not enough water reaches the engine to keep it cool. of the "bullet" on your lower unit. It is unsafe to have the engine block too close to the water on a low transom. This measurement was approximately 4". You can order an outboard in lengths ranging from 15 inches to 30 inches, depending on its power output and possible uses. If you go too short your more than likely going to cavitate and loose power. Is my outboard long or short shaft? This is handy if youre shopping for second-hand outboards or looking to sell the one that came with your boat. Generally, the anti-ventilation plate on most engines is aligned with the bottom of the vessel. Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. With this in mind, how can I determine if my outboard has a short or long shaft? But, how do you measure it? Smaller inflatables and dinghies needshort shaft motors, whilst bigger boats require long or, in some circumstances, extreme long shaft versions. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". To measure the transom height, measure from the center on for transom (rear of the boat). Boat transomangles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. Now that you have a better understanding of boat transom heights its time to take out the ruler and get the perfect measurements. However, the shaft length for smaller boats could be long or short depending on its style, speed requirement, etc. Any questions? As a dealer I run into this situation from time to time, which is fine but getting the right length outboard for your boat is crucial. Doing this can have adverse effects. s = d.createElement("script"); #2. your motor will be higher.) C Cheaptoon Cadet Joined Aug 4, 2010 Messages 28 Aug 24, 2010 #4 Re: Motor height on pontoon? The how to measure the shaft length of an outboard motor is a question that many people have asked. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. boats.com, 1221 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, USA. MarinePartsMan.com also says that V6 bass-boat engines have a 20-inch shaft. The outboard shaft length is the vertical distance between the top of the mounting clamp bracket and the bottom of the cavitation plate (aka the ventilation plate). 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. :$I>M W$h"%U_yzIb?]NHg_G|r@nX eTf."SQ 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. out the confusion. the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor
Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. A: The answer varies by boat, but here are some rules of thumb for matching a short shaft outboard to your boat. So how to measure outboard shaft length? Eq*^?6R83e+j}UY.(M7k]~4g)g ~wmS{ O7t/o(W|X? If so, send me an
Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. I would also recommend finding your maximum horsepower rating which is located on the yellow coast guard tag towards the back of your boat. The distance between the ends of a transom is measured in inches. 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. I would ask you to go back and measure the transom of your boat. This, however, is not recommended for the beginning boater. 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. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. You dont have to be a mathematician to determine the correct boat transomangle. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. Then open up the clamp bucket. })(); It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. clearInterval(interval); I hope this helps someone out in their search for a new or newer outboard this season. For example, you can have the Mercury outboard shaft length by model code. Why Rebounding Is A Key Skill for Fouth Players To Learn, Tips For Attacking a Zone Defense as a Youth Basketball Team, Why This is a Big Deal for the Sports Betting Industry. bracket forward with a straight edge to where you can then measure up
Charles Plueddeman is Boats.com's outboard, trailer, and PWC expert. Finding the right size is a matter of looking at what youve got and taking out the measuring tape. To achieve this, the motor itself has to be attached at the correct height. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Top 10 Choices for Boaters, Mercury Introduces 600HP V12 Verado Outboard Engine, The Outboard Expert: Tohatsu Propane Outboard Engine. (616) 364-0666, On all contiguous US part orders over $100. Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. center of the propshaft. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. var addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@'; (In the case of the faster
However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. Over time, Boating Hub has grown into a resource for boating enthusiasts around world. want to measure from the transom to the flat part of this bracket,
Like Westshore Marine & Leisure on Facebook! 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. This is also known as the shaft length. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30 and 35 shaft. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. 1855 Alpine Avenue NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504This email address is being protected from spambots. Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. Thats a fairly simple list of symptoms, but if your motor is too low, youll probably notice at least one of them. What's the best height for my boat motor? It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat.
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