how to measure transom height for outboard motor

Thats a fairly simple list of symptoms, but if your motor is too low, youll probably notice at least one of them. In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. It moves an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise. % 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. since 1986. })(); endobj The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales, 2023 Marine Parts Warehouse Incorporated There This exhaust port should be about 1 inch above the water line when the boat is idling. 4 0 obj On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. 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. 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. What Kind of Fuel Does Your Marine Engine Need? https:/. Mounting the outboard a little bit lower than the standard point could avoid the possible ventilation and slip on acceleration. It also includes attaching the right engine. There are instances where a lower mount may be okay. parallel with the straight edge. 12 Small Fishing Boat Accessories to Buy Today. 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. It will ensure that the outboards trim will be effective, and it will save you gas too. displayPrimeOffers: true, The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. 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. This also means it can affect the safety of the boat. August 9/08). So how to determine the outboard shaft length? To achieve this, the motor itself has to be attached at the correct height. Add the two measurements and you get 6 1/2". However, the shaft length for smaller boats could be long or short depending on its style, speed requirement, etc. Not to measure boat speed, but to gauge the mounting height of the outboard motor on the boat transom. Youll need a short shaft outboard if its 15 or less than an inch shorter. Bass boats, ski boats, or center cockpit vessels will want to double-check their measurements to get it just right. He is a The first order of business is to measure your boat for the ideal fit. Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat. displayMicroOffers: false, Then open up the clamp bucket. h[0].appendChild(s); relation to pad 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. You'll need a short shaft outboard if it's 15 or less than an inch shorter. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. 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. 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}'); Doing this can have adverse effects. 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. The transom is the "back wall" of your boat, the most rearward part of your hull. Determining Your Boat Transom Angle The transom angle - commonly measured in degrees - is the transom's vertical inclination. So how to measure outboard shaft length? window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; 2 0 obj mpeSelector: ".pt-mpe", It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transom's height. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. 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. What are Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and Channels? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. Whether you already own a boat or looking for your first watercraft we are here to service your needs. 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. This measurement is primarily designed for single motor propulsion. 7. How high exactly do you have to raise the transom?- - Outboard Jets Simply start with the engine in idle, followed bytrimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. I would also recommend finding your maximum horsepower rating which is located on the yellow coast guard tag towards the back of your boat. Actually there is no designated letter for short shaft. https://www.bornagainboating.com/Get Your Born Again Boating Clothing! If your boat planes, pay extra attention to getting the shaft length as close to perfect as possible. For boats equipped with a bracket, calculate the same measurement but based on the bracket and not the transom. If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have theexperience and know-howto make it happen. High powered boats usually only come in long and extra-long variants. This is also known as the shaft length. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. One of the factors in determining the height of the outboard is the placement of the exhaust port on the lower unit of the outboard engine. Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. (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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And the rule of thumb is that you should keep the cavitation plate level with the bottom or keel of the boat. var ptScript = "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/js/pt-mpe.min.js"; One of the great things about an outboard motor is how versatile it is. straight edge on the top of the transom to "extend" it out These allow the mounting of a standard length outboard behind the transom. Cutting the transom down is the only legal method to utilize a short shaft engine on a tall transom. disregard the "hooks" at the front of the So from there, I will try to help out by asking questions about your boat such as what type it is and the length. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Oftentimes you will want to adjust the outboard shaft length in order to improve the boat performance such as speed. I mean, who wants to purchase something as expensive as an outboard to only realize you bought the wrong one. With some boats I have a pretty good idea as to what length motor should be hung on them. The faster your boat, the more critical it is to get the sizing just right. var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), Displacement hulled vessels like sailboats and workboats can benefit from a little more space between the hull and cavitation plate, but not much. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. This restriction includes most fishing boats and longer sailboats. Wherever the outboard clamping bracket is, use this as the basis for measurement. Tilt your motor until the bullet of the gearcase is The engine must be linked to the transom at the proper height for a propeller to best meet specific boating demands. If you are running a slower boat, the exact location of the ventilation plate is less important. Most of the time, adding a hydrofoil to an outboard improves performance. However, youll notice a little increase in drag and a decrease in top-end performance. xmlHttp.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/json'); Engine Oil Type Genuine or Recommended 2str Engine Oil. <> The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There are also specialty motor shaft lengths. 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". Whats the best height for my boat motor? Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. With a jack plate, you can mount it exactly where you want it. This will be the To do so, you will want to measure at the exact center of the transom from the very top to the very bottom. %PDF-1.7 Happy boating! Smaller inflatables and dinghies needshort shaft motors, whilst bigger boats require long or, in some circumstances, extreme long shaft versions. Well, raising the outboard motor can be an easy task for you. 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. This is somewhat similar to #2, in that you are again measuring with a Two years ago, I bought a Boston Whaler to fish off the coast. 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. 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. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. Small motors built for sailboats might come in a unique configuration with an extremely long shaft since these are mounted higher off the water. a Detwiler manual jackplate. The transom is the rear wall of the boat where the outboard engine is mounted in the middle. (In the case of the faster Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. This would not be a good thing. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The shaft length for outboard motors has nothing to do with the water line. However, your boat will have slightly more drag which will reduce your maximum speed. What's the best height for my boat motor? The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. See When St. Peters Basketball Games Are Today! I believe 20 to 21 inches is the optimum length for a lengthy shaft. This was the height of my 225 Yamaha on my TR21 Charles Plueddeman is Boats.com's outboard, trailer, and PWC expert. ), and place it on the bottom of the pad in the center. In the photo above, we've measured from the motor bracket to the top of The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. Place the point of a yardstick at the middle of the top of the boat transom. 7. 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). logoColor: "original", Brackets are also handy for boats that do not have flat transoms, like canoe-stern sailboats or fan-tailed motor vessels. How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length: The Only Guide You Need Small portable outboards ranging from 2 to 20 horsepower are usually sold only in short or long shaft versions. To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). If it measures anywhere from 17" to around 22", then your going to want to go with a long shaft motor. This email address is being protected from spambots. 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). (Putting a It was a 23-foot Crestliner Grand Cayman pontoon boat. The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. Mounting kicker motor - General Discussion Forum | In-Depth Outdoors If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. Rest the yard stick or another suitable straight edge along the keel on the bottom of the boat so that it makes a straight line aft to the outboard. Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. bracket. function mpeInit() { The standard shaft length for most outboard engines less than 125 horsepower is 20 inches. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. This placement is not only recommended but it will give you the best performance compared to something that is too long or too short. measuring; you may have to "extend" the flat part of the Anything bigger than that your obviously going to need an extra long shaft. Owners of bass boats, RIBs, or offshore fishing boats need to get this right. Mounting the motor lower on the boat transomcan createexcessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. How to Choose Between a Motor Tote and Transom Saver to Support an 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. Spark Plug 25.0nm(18.4 Ft-lb) (2.55 Kgf-m) Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. As a result, the issue is whether my boat need a short shaft or long shaft motor. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Effects of Standard, Lower and Higher Mounting. Move the bracket as close to the center of the transom as possible while still maintaining clearance to allow the main outboard or rudder to reach its full range of motion without contacting the kicker motor. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. Should I take the raft onto the water and measure the exact distance from the top of the transom to the water line? How to Raise Outboard Motor on Transom? - Raising the Outboard Motor Is my outboard long or short shaft? If you have a small boat with a 15 to 17 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a short shaft outboard. No matter what size of boat you are running, one of the most critical choices you can make when buying an outboard motor is the shaft length. How do you measure a transom on an outboard motor? Amazon has plate extensions to allow adjustments without buying a new motor: T-H Marine Jack Plate Extension. If it measures between 17 and 22, you'll want to go with a long shaft motor. For over five years he has worked as a newspaper reporter and historic researcher. For really big boats, the biggest and baddest six- or eight-cylinder outboards can have extra-extra long shafts up to 30 inches. The motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. Outboard motors can be fitted to a variety of boats, so manufacturers have standardized their engines to go on virtually anything. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure google plus page! Measuring the shaft length can be done in various ways, but the most common way is by using a tape measure. to where the brackets were actually resting on the transom. With the long side (22 1/2), place a carpenters square ) in opposition to the keel. WHAT LENGTH OUTBOARD DO YOU REALLY NEED? - Van's Sport Center :$I>M W$h"%U_yzIb?]NHg_G|r@nX eTf."SQ C Cheaptoon Cadet Joined Aug 4, 2010 Messages 28 Aug 24, 2010 #4 Re: Motor height on pontoon?

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how to measure transom height for outboard motor

how to measure transom height for outboard motor