I am currently using a trolling motor in the well and I would like to replace with an outboard. Has anyone placed a motor in the well of a tempest? Is fume build up an issue? What is shaft length? Just fix the prop and steer with the tiller? would I be better off mounting on the transom?? Appreciate any input from your experience.
Motor for a Tempest
- Thread starter austin6691
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Looks vs. ease of maintenance
I looked at buying a Tempest, and one of the reasons I didn't was the outboard situation. If you use the outboard well, you have to either remove the outboard after each use or let it sit in the water 100% of the time. That leaves the boat's clean classic lines looking great, but poses maintenance or convenience issues. I didn't want to deal with having to put bottom paint on my outboard shaft or deadlifting 80 lbs of engine after every sail. Installing a bracket on the transom is a possibility, but because of the afterdeck, the outboard would be pretty far from the helmsman, making it difficult to control the shift and the throttle from the cockpit. Remote controls for an outboard are a possibility, but this increases costs and complexity, not to mention that hanging an outboard on that beautiful transom is a crime. If I had to choose, I would go with using the engine well and painting the shaft. Don't forget to check your zincs regularly. As with any outboard on a sailboat, get the longest shaft engine you can find. The "standard" long shaft is 20", but some manufacturers make a 25" model. The first time you are in any sort of seaway, you will be thankful.
I looked at buying a Tempest, and one of the reasons I didn't was the outboard situation. If you use the outboard well, you have to either remove the outboard after each use or let it sit in the water 100% of the time. That leaves the boat's clean classic lines looking great, but poses maintenance or convenience issues. I didn't want to deal with having to put bottom paint on my outboard shaft or deadlifting 80 lbs of engine after every sail. Installing a bracket on the transom is a possibility, but because of the afterdeck, the outboard would be pretty far from the helmsman, making it difficult to control the shift and the throttle from the cockpit. Remote controls for an outboard are a possibility, but this increases costs and complexity, not to mention that hanging an outboard on that beautiful transom is a crime. If I had to choose, I would go with using the engine well and painting the shaft. Don't forget to check your zincs regularly. As with any outboard on a sailboat, get the longest shaft engine you can find. The "standard" long shaft is 20", but some manufacturers make a 25" model. The first time you are in any sort of seaway, you will be thankful.
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