Outboard bracket installation

Aug 27, 2004
17
Although I've got a good inboard diesel (MD6A), as a belt and braces measure, I want to install an outboard bracket (one of the sprung cantilever type) offset to the port side of the transom to clear the centrally mounted boarding ladder. I would appreciate any advice as to how best to achieve a robust installation?

Regards

John Buchanan.

Houlet 2253
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi John

Many have these sprung brackets fitted. Easy to do and best place is
centrally (unless you have a ladder fitted). Make sure there is plenty
of backing behind the fitting in the aft locker. Usual fibreglass
precautions etc.

Cheers

Steve Birch (Technical)
 
Oct 30, 2019
80
Hi Steve

I have been thinking of doing the same, and have done some measuring.
It looks like it will be necessary to tilt the o/b as well as
swinging it up on the cantilever to get it clear of the waterline
when level. Like John I have a central swim platform and ladder on
the transom so would have to offset it on the Port side for
convienience of working the control handle. This looks like it will
drag in the water when on s'board tack even when swung up and tilted.
Do you or anyone else have further information on doing this?

Cheers

David
Little Star V1696
 
Oct 30, 2019
18
Steve,

What do you mean by the "usual fibreglass precautions etc"? Someone
please enlighten me in my ignorance?

I have a bracket mounted on the port side that worked fine for many
years with my Honda 9.9 longshaft. Tilted and raised the motor was
always clear of the water. Unfortunately last fall an @$$#&*% in a
large powerboat thought it would be fun to run right past me and try
to swamp me with his wake and the bounce bent the bracket which I now
need to replace.

Phil
Williwaw
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi

Just ensure the backing plate inside thelocker is man enough for the
job. Temperature OK when you do the work. There is a good book called
"The repair of fibreglass boats" that puts it all down in black and
white. I am sure there are many books that cover the subject.

Steve Birch (Technical)
 
Oct 31, 2019
163
Whilst it's a bit off-thread with regard to permanent installations, we have a very successful "emergency" outboard bracket on Spring Fever which may be of interest: -

SF is fitted with an inboard MD6A, but we also carry a Mercury 3.3hp outboard for the dinghy.

Our boarding ladder is fixed fairly central on the stern (it's a four or perhaps five step model, which hinges in the centre) and we have constructed a 6"x8" board which is clamped around the bottom tread.

This makes things more comfortable for climbing out after a swim, but also means that if we hinge the ladder by 90 degrees and secure it with a lanyard to the pushpit rail, we then have the facility to clamp the dinghy outboard onto the back.

We've tried it twice, once to move berths in a marina when the MD6A was out of commission - it manouvred better than usual Also once at sea, when we were becalmed and drifting aground after the MD6A had overheated - it pushed us along at 2.5knots very easily, until we found some wind to sail.

bpaphil ppallenberg@... wrote:
Steve,

What do you mean by the "usual fibreglass precautions etc"? Someone
please enlighten me in my ignorance?

I have a bracket mounted on the port side that worked fine for many
years with my Honda 9.9 longshaft. Tilted and raised the motor was
always clear of the water. Unfortunately last fall an @$$#&*% in a
large powerboat thought it would be fun to run right past me and try
to swamp me with his wake and the bounce bent the bracket which I now
need to replace.

Phil
Williwaw