|. Having the cavitation plate too low will cause excess drag and reduced performance at high speeds. It does not store any personal data. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. It is unsafe to have the engine block too close to the water on a low transom. 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. You may wonder how deep your prop should be in the water. However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. Expectedly, when the transom angle is zero, it means it is flat. 3 0 obj Doing this can have adverse effects. stream These allow the mounting of a standard length outboard behind the transom. 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. The transom is the rear wall of the boat where the outboard engine is mounted in the middle. A yardstick will help you determine if your outboard engine is at the right height. #3. It also decreases the boats lift and increases the time it takes for the boat to reach plane. var ptScript = "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/js/pt-mpe.min.js"; While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30. His works have appeared in regional newspapers in North Dakota and in "North Dakota Horizons" and "Cowboys and Indians" magazines. s.setAttribute("href", "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/css/pt-mpe.min.css"); The first step is to determine the height of your boat's transom. bassboat can be a bit confusing at times; hopefully this will help sort By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Height Measurement: Recommended Shaft Length: 14" - 17.25" 15" Shaft (Short) 17.25" - 19.5" Varies by application 19.5" - 22.5" 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This distance is very important to the performance of you boat. Boats with more engine power and weight require longer shaft outboards for better balance. In the photo above, we've measured from the motor bracket to the top of Thats it. Pad to bottom of You Kicker Motor Shaft Length - This Old Boat - Lake Ontario United - Lake s.setAttribute("src", script); Rebuilt - What You Need to Know, Lower Unit and Sterndrive Break-In Instructions. Learn More About Your Boats Systems By Joining The Born Again Boating Academy! Its important to note that manufacturers call their models different things. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn includingboat maintenanceand boat basics. Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. Read the measurement on the transoms bottom. Engine height with stepped hull at transom - before I screw things up If it measures between 17 and 22, youll want to go with a long shaft motor. If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. Mounting kicker motor - General Discussion Forum | In-Depth Outdoors 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. 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. 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. What Is the Transom of a Boat? EXPLAINED - My Cruiser Life 1855 Alpine Avenue NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504This email address is being protected from spambots. If your outboard motor height. It also includes attaching the right engine. motor brackets To do so, you will want to measure at the exact center of the transom from the very top to the very bottom. If your boat is newer and the manufacturer is still in business, you might also want to try to give them a call. It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. 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. Like Westshore Marine & Leisure on Facebook! So if you are measuring the outboard shaft length for smaller boats, inflatables, dinghies, sailboat or other low-speed work boats, the cavitation plate is often about 2 below the bottom. If your boat planes, pay extra attention to getting the shaft length as close to perfect as possible. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transom's height. Smaller boats may use adjustable jack plates that can be changed to fit any outboard. Another important measurement is the transom angle. xmlHttp.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/json'); With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including, Why your boat transom needs to be the right height, The pros and cons of properly mounting the outboard motor to the transom, Standard mounting is always best for the beginner, Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing the, Lower mounting is not for the beginning boater, Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom, There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. To do so, you will want to measure at the exact center of the transom from the very top to the very bottom. Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. relation to pad It also cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. Why wont Touch ID be under the screen in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16? A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. Safely but briskly accelerate. brackets. Youll also want to pay attention when youre in shallow water because your prop will be lower than normal. The boater must also consider if the boat transom support is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. 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. If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. If you have a question or need additional information. Measuring Motor Height - BassBoat Central With this in mind, how can I determine if my outboard has a short or long shaft? ensure that your measurement is accurate. from the transom. (updated 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. Oftentimes you will want to adjust the outboard shaft length in order to improve the boat performance such as speed. This will ensure the best performance. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. and I'll explain it better, (or point you to someone that can help. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. Outboard Motor Shaft Length For Pontoon Boat - Survival Tech Shop 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. There are also specialty motor shaft lengths. This measurement would be the inches of The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat. A: Any boat that has a 21 to 27 inch aft transom will need an extra long shaft outboard. 12 Small Fishing Boat Accessories to Buy Today. #2. Small motors built for sailboats might come in a unique configuration with an extremely long shaft since these are mounted higher off the water. :$I>M W$h"%U_yzIb?]NHg_G|r@nX eTf."SQ the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor To sum up, there is a simple calculator of the shaft length for outboard motors: Outboard Shaft Length = Transom Height +/- Factors. PayTomorrow.mpeInit({ A1: Broadly speaking, the outboard motor shaft length for pontoon boat, bass boat, or other larger boats should be long shaft. If youre looking for a bracket that can handle motors of up to 10/15 horsepower, go no further. Actual shaft length is 21.5" on those. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Boat transomangles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. What types of boat need an extra long shaft? How to Raise Outboard Motor on Transom? - Raising the Outboard Motor boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. Other factors to consider when determining the mounting height of an outboard are related to performance. This illustration depicts four different outboard mounting height options (courtesy Mercury Marine). primeApr: 12.99, To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). Among them will be first-timers or those who have recently purchased their boats. Youll need a short shaft outboard if its 15 or less than an inch shorter. This provides seaworthiness and offers maximum protection from large seas. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Workboats, sailboats, and displacement-hulled boats fall into this category. When trimming your motor, they provide you a greater bow response. A2: Instead of changing to the short outboard shaft, you can try the Jack Plate first. bracket forward with a straight edge to where you can then measure up out the confusion. 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. This could also affect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. Measure from there down to the top of the cavitation plate, also known as the anti-ventilation plate. The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. The engine must be linked to the transom at the proper height for a propeller to best meet specific boating demands. clearInterval(interval); Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. 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. Tightening Torque for Engine. If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. Some outboards have a serial number that tells you which shaft length to go for. Place the clubs bottom on the ground as though it were going to be used to strike a golf ball. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? 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. 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. A: The short answer is Yes. How-To: Pick A Great Portable Outboard Motor (2023 Guide) The boater must also consider if the boat transomsupport is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. It also cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. MPW eBay Store - Thousands of New OEM Old Stock Parts! However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability. This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. "brackets". xmlHttp.open('POST', 'https://bes.gcp.data.bigcommerce.com/nobot'); As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. For over five years he has worked as a newspaper reporter and historic researcher. Shaft lengths are available in increments of 5. How can you figure out what your transom angle is? Remember, if you use a longer outboard shaft than you need you will be increasing your draft. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. Now that you have a better understanding of boat transom heights its time to take out the ruler and get the perfect measurements. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. This is somewhat similar to #2, in that you are again measuring with a storeDisplayName: "Marine Parts Warehouse", They keep water out of your prop and increase water pressure in the system. s.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript"); Step 2: After you get the transom height, add the radius of the propeller (check the user manual, and then technical drawing for the number) to calculate the minimum shaft length needed to make it work. Check out some hot FAQs to help you get the proper outboard shaft lengths. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The transom is the "back wall" of your boat, the most rearward part of your hull. 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. 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. What is a Transom Saver And Do I Need One? - Boat Safe Motor height on pontoon? | Boating Forum - iboats Boating Forums Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. disregard the downward pointing "hooks" at the front of the In extremes, the engine can have overheating problems if the boat is raised to a point where the water inlets for the cooling system are out of the water. Outboards designed for saltwater applications usually have longer shafts. Place the rulers end on the ground behind the club and let the club to rest on top of it. Should I take the raft onto the water and measure the exact distance from the top of the transom to the water line? No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. If so, send me an Boost Speed with Outboard Engine Height Adjustments trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. }, 100); This exhaust port should be about 1 inch above the water line when the boat is idling. 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. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. Check out the full chart of the Mercury outboard model code and its features. Use the mounting bracket on the motor to know where it will sit on the boat. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including boat maintenance and boat basics. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure google plus page! However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. One of the great things about an outboard motor is how versatile it is. Allowing the propeller to pull water from underneath and push it out behind the boat. When mounting the engine, you want the cavitation plate to be 1 above the boat bottom for every 12 away from the transom. How do you measure a transom on an outboard motor? In the second photo, we've measure down from the top of the Detwiler He is a Copyright 1999-2023 Boats Group. Small portable outboards ranging from 2 to 20 horsepower are usually sold only in short or long shaft versions. The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. The general guideline for longer shaft outboards is that the transom height should be at least 20 inches (50,8cm) above the waterline. 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. How To Measure Outboard Motor Shaft Length [Long v Short] - Boating Hub The center is the point where your outboard motor is (ideally) located. Problems with getting the ventilation plate too low include slower hole-shot and lower top-end speeds. Before we start measuring the outboard shaft length, lets get it clear about whats referring to when we talk about the outboard shaft length. The standard shaft length for most outboard engines less than 125 horsepower is 20 inches. What is the Virtual Sundance Film Festival? (Putting a Your goal is to measure how the outboard will sit, so start from the clamping plate and follow the centerline of the hull. And thats usually the case since the electric outboards are designed with larger and more efficient propeller that needs longer shaft. This is a measurement that has been used for BassCats, I'm As a yacht designer and boater, I prefer longer shafts. I mean it is better to be safe than sorry, am I right? Measuring the shaft length can be done in various ways, but the most common way is by using a tape measure. Lastly, knowing the year of your motor and what style of controls you have (side mount, concealed side mount, or binnacle) is also a plus because it will tell the dealer if your current controls are compatible with the motor you are purchasing. Determining Your Boat Transom Angle The transom angle - commonly measured in degrees - is the transom's vertical inclination. Required fields are marked *. There are 2 steps to help get a relatively accurate figure. ), and place it on the bottom of the pad in the center. If your boats transom height is 15-16, a short shaft engine is required, and if it is 20-21, a long shaft engine is required. It moves an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise. This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. Any questions? Now that you have a better understanding of boat transom heights its time to take out the ruler and get the perfect measurements. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. (function (d) { What Types of Documents Can be Sent to your Kindle Library? 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. How to Find Your Shaft Length | ePropulsion Then test the boat and adjust the height, if necessary . This is the dimension you'll need when selecting a width for your outboard motor's mounting bracket. To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. disregard the "hooks" at the front of the Also, how do you determine the length of an outboard transom? 2 0 obj Two years ago, I bought a Boston Whaler to fish off the coast. Since the ventilation plate & foil are burried under water it is obviously too low. AztH ^zv_ cT,E1K/rAB54| Step 2: Three Variables to Consider All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. % Extra-extra long shafts are 30-inches long. })(); You reply, "Im not sure, I think its a long". bracket. In the past, though, it housed the officers and captain of 17th, 18th and 19th century sailing ships. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. I live for the weekends when I can go out on the water and escape the stress of life on land. What is Transom Height? 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. As you can see, the measurement is about 2 1/2". An inch or two probably wont make a big difference, but any more than that will lead to trouble. Your email address will not be published. What Is a Transom? Where Onboard a Boat is It Located? For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. Always weigh the risks of making adjustments. In the case of a dinghy or johnboat, this point may be the top of the transom. maxTerm: 36, Some boats are equipped with transom-hung outboards while others have a bracket. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. your motor will be higher.) The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. Ten years ago I bought my first boat. Outboard Motor Shaft Length: How do I measure? The distance between the ends of a transom is measured in inches. It varies between different motors and boats. function mpeInit() { Plus, a low transom cut is an invitation for the water to flood the boat. Smaller inflatables and dinghies needshort shaft motors, whilst bigger boats require long or, in some circumstances, extreme long shaft versions. Any owner seeking the last bit of speed from an outboard-powered boat should grab a yard stick. 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?

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