Aluminum motor mount?

[Tom Wootton]

I'm thinking of using a piece of 1/4" wall thickness 2" by 6" aluminum rectangular tubing to replace the cracked teak motor mount on my H26. I'll fill it inside with wood epoxied in place to keep the motor clamps from collapsing the aluminum, and to provide backing for the bolt holes. I'll isolate the SS bolts from the aluminum with nonmetal washers and teflon goop. I am a little concerned about the fact that the aluminum might not absorb vibration and jarring loads the same way wood or starboard does, possibly stressing the fiberglass stern. Any thoughts on this plan?

 

[Douglas Miles]

You might add isolation material

to the aluminum plate to dampen some of the transmitted vibrations. Neoprene (rubber) can be bought in sheets and adhered to the back of the plate and then slightly preloaded with your mount bolts. Can you replace the mount with the newer ones found on the H260's? This might be the easiest route.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Tom, I'll forward thru E-mail a plan that I used

on my 95 H26 with a Honda 9.9. I'll need to get some measurements in the morning and then shoot it to you. It will also the 9.9 to raise totally out of the water without extension brackets. I would not use aluminum. Do you sail fresh or salt water? Or both?RayS/V Speedy

 

[Tom Wootton]

Ray, I sail in both...

...the marina is in Yankeetown, FL, 4 miles up the Withlacoochee river from the gulf. My motor is an 8hp Nissan, and it tilts up out of the water OK, but I'm planning to upgrade to a 9.9hp 4 cycle next season. Is your objection to aluminum due to corrosion? I considered that, but my thinking was that the aluminum tiller and mast crutch are as close to the water as the motor mount, and seem none the worse for wear.BTW do you happen to know the bolt diameters?My e-mail: wootton@sprynet.comThanks in advance

 

[Ray Bowles]

Tom, I sent an e-mail but just incase, if you use

aluminium or any other solid metal I would be concerned that the vibration factor transfered through the metal to the boat would distroy the mounting area on the boat in very short order.Rayp.s. We will probably be in the S Fla. area later this spring to look at some bluewater boats. Where are you at? If it is real close (like 15 miles) would it be OK to ask you to look first before we fly down?

 

[Tom Wootton]

Thanks Ray,

I got the E-mail. I ended up finding a cabinet shop that had some 2x6 teak. If I upgrade to a 9.9 hp motor, I'll revisit your modification.I live in Gainesville, which is 2 hours north of Orlando in the middle of the state more or less (10 minutes from the Hunter factory in Alachua.) That's about 5 hours from Miami. I wish I could help--any excuse to look at boats is welcome. Happy hunting!