New member with a question

[Chris & Lenore]

Hello everyone!My wife and I have just "moved up" to a 1992 Mac 26C (from a 1976 Matilda 20).I've been "lurking" in this forum for a few weeks now. Looks like a great group - found answers to most of my questions, just by searching previous posts.I do have a question though.The previous owner installed a Fulton retractable engine mount on a pair of angle iron brackets. The brackets raise the mount about 4 inches above the old. It looks like the aim was to ensure the engine was at the same level when lowered.My question - why? Can the engine not be turned in the original mount? I definitely like engine steering in a crowded marina - but - this contraption looks ugly...It also places far more stress on the transom because of the additional leverage.Plus, that steel angle iron is going to rust - just a matter of time.Thank you,Chris

 

[MrBill_FLL]

engine bracket

yes it is a problem to engine steer on the stock motor well... more or less depending on the size of the motor case.however, I don't have a problem and use the tiller. (I can move the motor a little, and do so in really tight spots (docking)).the other issue is cavatation. (for me).being on a lake I'm not sure you'll have this issue, and guess the bracket was as you guess to motor steer.and yes, it does put additional strain and weight on the transom.take a look at bobs sitemacgregor-boats.comlots of examples to view...

 

[Guest]

1990 Mac 26S Engine Bracket

I placed a fixed cast aluminum bracket (about $100) on my stern for a 125 pound Honda 4 stroke. A "huge" epoxied plywood block was put on inside of Lazarette. I developed a steering mechanism attached to the rudder tiller that turns the motor when the tiller is turned. I also installed remote controls for the motor, inside the lazarette; I cut a "mini" hinged hatch into the lazarette hatch that I can flip up tp access the shifter/throttle. I also put a high density polyethelene cover on the motor well (used aluminum "L" bracket to support it; this covers the gas tank which I keep in the motor well; it also provides sitting/standing space for BBQ etc. I use 3 triple block arrangement to lift the engine for sailing. engine

 

[MrBill_FLL]

Motor well cover?

I also put a high density polyethelene cover on the motor well (used aluminum "L" bracket to support it; this covers the gas tank which I keep in the motor well

Any chance you could post a photo of how you closed off the motor well? I'd like to cover that too, but maybe removable...

 

[Guest]

Motor Well Cover

I will try to get photos of the motor well cover to send. The cover is removeable. It is tricky to get the aluminum "L" bracket level all the way around the motor well due to the curves. I put a hinge on the front part of the motor well cover that I flip up to allow the motor to be tilted up. The motor well cover is close to one inch thick high density polyethylene that I sanded to fit the very curved nature of the motor well. I have a line attaching the motor well cover to the tern railing to ensure it does not go overboard.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

Thanks!

Thanks for the quick response.I checked out a few websites and saw several "fixed" mount solutions.I'll post a picture of my arrangement tonight - might be interesting as it incorporates a retractable mount.Chris