Hunter 216 motor mount cracks

[Ed_S]

I've noticed small cracks in the white blocks for the motor mount on the Hunter 216. The cracks are in both the block attached to the transom and the block attached to the metal brackets.

I have two questions:
Do the blocks/motor need replaced?
Any idea what causes the cracks?

Thanks
Ed

 

[Ray T]

I have a 2004 216 and I apparantly have the same cracks you write about but I haven't used an engine in the last two years. I only use the boat for racing and that is a lot of weight hanging off the stern. I suspect UV degradation. I have a friend with a 2008 216 and he has about an 1 1/2" plywood mount. Since you are concerned about this I would recommend a safty cable wrapped around the engine and secured someplace other than the mount. This will work untill you replace with a factory replacement or make a well sealed mount from plywood

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

This sounds stupid but to keep the crack from elongating, you need to take a 1/8 inch drill bit and drill through the skin by a 1/4 inch to keep that crack from going any further. If you want, send me a photo to davecondon@mindspring.com and I will assist.

crazy dave

 

[Ed_S]

I have a 2004 216 and I apparantly have the same cracks you write about but I haven't used an engine in the last two years. I only use the boat for racing and that is a lot of weight hanging off the stern. I suspect UV degradation. I have a friend with a 2008 216 and he has about an 1 1/2" plywood mount. Since you are concerned about this I would recommend a safty cable wrapped around the engine and secured someplace other than the mount. This will work untill you replace with a factory replacement or make a well sealed mount from plywood

Thanks for the suggestion with the plywood and safety. When you used an engine on your boat, was the shaft size on the engine 15"?

 

[Ed_S]

This sounds stupid but to keep the crack from elongating, you need to take a 1/8 inch drill bit and drill through the skin by a 1/4 inch to keep that crack from going any further. If you want, send me a photo to davecondon@mindspring.com and I will assist.

crazy dave

thanks Dave for the suggestion. I'm in the process of buying this boat. I may take you up on your offer to assist after I buy it.

On the Hunter 216, will an outboard with a 15" shaft be adequate?

Thanks
Ed