Do I need a outboard motor 'WEDGE" if adding a Garelick retractable bracket on O'day 22?

[foreste2002]

Hi...I have a 1973 O'day 22 with the original outboard motor mount through the transom. I would like to mount my Seahorse 9.9 (2 stroke) using a more modern setup. I have seen pictures using this retractable bracket system attached to a "wedge" of wood coated in fiberglass etc.
Is this "wedge" necessary on the early O'day 22's or can the newer retractable mounts Garelick or similar) be mounted straight to the transom with support from inside. Also, if anyone out there has particulars about measurements etc. for this mounting setup.
Thank you,
Eric

 

[repawn]

Hi - My motor mount is one of the retractable mounts - not a Garelick - but something similar. The biggest thing to ensure is that the motor will reach the water. Mine is mounted directly to the transom and I have aluminum angle iron as the backing inside the transom. I have a Mariner 5 motor which doesn't weigh all that much and it works well. Depending on the motor shaft length and where you mount it you may want the wedge - I luckily did not need it.

 

[foreste2002]

Thank you for your insight. My motor is the long shaft version for a sailboat (I think) so, that would be great if I could just mount it to the transom with some reinforcement. Do you have any pictures of where yours is mounted?

 

[agprice22]

The "wedge" is needed to compensate for the reverse angle of the transom on some boats. For instance, the C22 has a vertical transom, so it needs no wedge to keep the bracket vertical. The Oday 272 has a reverse angle to the transom, it tilts forward; thus, a bracket would never hold a motor vertically without the use of a wedge between the bracket and the motor.
Look at your transom, and if it is angled, you would install a wedge to compensate for the angle and being the motor bracket to vertical.
You also mention a plate inside the transom. That is for reinforcement of the transom. I would ALWAYS use some stainless steel plates inside the transom for reinforcement. You can use many different materials for reinforcement, but they should be weatherproof.
Hope this helps!

 

[Ward H]

I would measure the angle of your transom from vertical, then call Garelick and ask them if their mount is adjustable to adapt to that transom angle. You OB should also have a trim adjustment you can change to adapt to a bit of transom angle.
The bigger concern is how much clearance does the OB need to to swing up? Make sure the bracket holds the OB off the transom enough to allow for that much swing.
For a backing plate, if you use SS make sure the transom is flat on the inside. If it has curve to it the SS may not bend to fit the curve causing pressure points at the corners. A good alternative is G10 board which is a compressed fiberglass board. Very strong and easily cut. You can make a think epoxy paste to epoxy it to the inside of the transom and the thickened epoxy will fill in any voids of a curved transom. Still use fender washers under the bolts to further help to spread the load.
Another good bracket supplier is Garhauer and they are easy to call and get good information.

 

[Brian S]

All the discussion of the wedge is correct. I think most motor mounts have some adjustment to accommodate a transom that angles aft, but probably not forward.

As far as the discussion of motor mounts, I would NOT buy a Garelick. Though they work, I think they are inferior to the Garhauer SS mount, sold by Catalina Direct: http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/691/outboard-motor-mount-three-spring.cfm

 

[agprice22]

I have had both, Garhauer and Garelick. I was surprised that the new Garelick did not have as much travel. Works well... but somehow less travel vertically.

 

[repawn]

Sorry for the delay - no pictures of the mount - it is on the mooring and maybe I can get a pic this weekend.

 

[Benny17441]

Motor mounts are rated by engine weigh, make sure the mount you choose is rated for the weight of the Seahorse 9.9.

 

[Ward H]

I have had both, Garhauer and Garelick. I was surprised that the new Garelick did not have as much travel. Works well... but somehow less travel vertically.

When I was researching a new mount for my 17' Newport I studied the Garelick's specs and yes, some had much less travel than others. I also called Garelick and was told that for lighter weight 4 strokes, mine was a 4hp, that some listed as 2 stroke mounts would work.

So as Andrew points out, be sure to check the travel of any mount you think about so you can not only get the OB out of the water but also high enough to work on it.

 

[agprice22]

So as Andrew points out, be sure to check the travel of any mount you think about so you can not only get the OB out of the water but also high enough to work on it.

Or... You may not get the outboard in the water! As was my problem. I had to lower the mount 4 inches to get the motor deep enough. The previous mount lowered it enough.