1994 Hunter 23.5 - Motor Mount replacement

[Sailing Tiger]

I am wanting to replace the wooden motor mount on my Hunter 23.5 since the old mount appears to have some soft spots. See photo below.

My concern is that it appears the bolts holding the old mount (when viewed from inside the transom) do not appear to have nuts on them. Are there nuts imbedded in the fiberglass or is there a plate (with nuts attached) imbedded in the fiberglass which anchor the bolts from inside the stern? I have recently purchased a new 8hp, 25" shaft Honda outboard motor weighing 107 pounds and wanted to make sure the motor mount is in good shape for this motor.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Sailing Tiger

 

[SkookumZac]

Hi Tiger, there is a thick aluminum mounting plate embedded in the fiberglass. The plate is tapped for bolts. This is the standard for all factory hardware on the 23.5. If you're a belt and suspenders type, you may be able to fit nuts on the inside if you used longer bolts. The factory original outboard was a lightweight 2-stroke but most owners have upgraded to heavier 4 strokes without any problems. I recommend storing the motor in the forepeak for trailering. The rig is sensitive to tongue weight.

-Z

 

[Sailing Tiger]

Hi Tiger, there is a thick aluminum mounting plate embedded in the fiberglass. The plate is tapped for bolts. This is the standard for all factory hardware on the 23.5. If you're a belt and suspenders type, you may be able to fit nuts on the inside if you used longer bolts. The factory original outboard was a lightweight 2-stroke but most owners have upgraded to heavier 4 strokes without any problems. I recommend storing the motor in the forepeak for trailering. The rig is sensitive to tongue weight.

-Z

Zac,

Thanks so much for the info. I was assuming there must have been a plate embedded in the fiberglass. I am glad you have confirmed that for me. I plan to have the mount replaced at the boat yard when I go there to have the bottom painted next week.

Hope you have some great sailing adventures this spring and summer.

Henry (Sailing Tiger) in Louisiana

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Spoke with poster. Confirmed aluminum embedded plates in fiberglass. Suggested buying wood bracket and ss brackets to extend motor mount out which have the same bolt pattern