Mounting your engine
Ric - The short shaft will like serve you just fine and the $600 will buy you a nice new mainsail, so you're all set on that score. When you say you will only be able to reach two bolts, does that mean only two without the access port, or only two with the access port? In short, you really need all four (six is even better) bolts to be secure. I would not trust lag bolts. To be secure I suggest that you not only use bolts with fender washers backing them, but add a backing plate inside the transom if possible. It may not be; if not you want to use the biggest fender washers you can. I suggest that you position the mount on the transom with the help of another person, then mark the locations for the holes. Ideally, you would use the hole most far apart in the range so that the area that the bolts bear on inside the transom are as far apart as possible. It may not be possible on your boat; it isn't on mine. Go to your favorite marine supplier and buy a three or four inch inspection port. I would submit that its a lot easier to work through a four inch port. Trace it onto the surface you will install it into and make the cutout. Check it for fit. Then set the inspection port aside for the moment. Now drill through the marks you made on the outside of the transom with a small drill bit. This will let you ensure that you will be able to get to all of the bolts from the hole you've cut. If not, you only have small patches to make to the exterior as you reposition the mount. If you're all set accesswise, drill the hole out to real size. Then countersink them from the outside. This will leave a channel for sealant when you bolt that thing together. From here out its simple. Use lots of acetone to prep the holes, and lots of sealant to ensure no leaks. Bolt it up and install the inspection port to finish the hole and go sailing. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
