outboard bracket: selection and mounting

[Rob Cheshire]

Hello all,
I have a few questions for those of you who have mounted outboards either temporarily or permanently on your Vegas. I am about
to install a Yamaha 9.9 long shaft, high thrust outboard on my Vega. This engine weighs in at about 100 lbs and has the starter and
control box. Yeah, I would have loved a diesel but she did not come with an engine and the outboard was the best solution for my
budget. Maybe someday, but here are my questions:

Have any of you found a bracket that works well for this type of engine? (The outboard bracket vendors are producing a fairly expensive
bracket designed for four stroke engines, I'm not sure that it's necessary for getting to the inlet to raise the sails.)
Do you need more travel in the bracket because of the long shaft?
Where would you recommend mounting the controls for the engine? I was thinking the location of the lever for the inboard
transmission might get a little wet for the electicals in the side-mount control box)
I would like to keep the ladder on the transom, are there any problems mounting the engine off-center besides spacing the bracket to
accomodate the curve of the transom?
Any suggestions on how to route the shift and throttle cables?
Any suggestions for fuel tank type or placement? It came with a 6 gallon yamaha tank but the only place I can figure it will go is on
the cockpit seat.

I appreciate any and all suggestions.
Rob Cheshire
V2766-"ISIS"

 

[pszi]

Hi Rob.

I\'m one of those "nutheads" using an outboard and claiming to be
fairly satisfied with it. I of course agree with you, if a Beta would
fit my budget I\'d prefer one.

I don\'t have separate controls, so no experience with that. My tank is
placed in starboard locker, and the hose goes through the aft light
hole. (I use masthead lights) No problems mounting off-center, but do
use a board on the inside to spread the load. I\'m not sure why you
want to space the bracket. I just turn the outboard for conpensation
and it will run perfectly straight. (maybe I misunderstand you here)
My engine is a short shaft and I use a standard bracket. When tacking
the propeller will sometimes be in the water, but I never considered
it a big problem, though it might be if your shaft is a long one.

Good luck with your outboard,

/Peter Szendröi

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Adam

I have emailed you direct with my thoughts but please think again if you intend to traverse the French Canals with just an outboard.

Regards

Steve B

 

[tjelle1946]

Hi Rob--re outboard--you have made a good choice if not a diesel. I have seen many outboards mounted both on center and to one side. Purchase a good quality ss bracket that allows you to lift the motor out of the salt water. You will never regret spending the extra few $$. Make sure you put a good strong backing plate of ss behind the fiberflass inside the boat--if not a plate of ss then at least two wide as possible heavy strips of ss ie flatbar 1/4"X2" for each two bolts. I run a 9.8 Nissan for years on my boat and it works very well. For the ocean, an outboard is a good choice for many reasons--easy to service, good fuel consumption, and if you foul the prop you can raise it up and service it. There is a chap in BC Canada who refurbishes Cal 29 and he removes the inboard and installs an outboard. he has a fleet of Cal 29s in his rental pool. Use nylon lock nuts for mounting the bracket--they will not vibrate lose. The new outboards are top of the line--soon we will be able to purchase diesel outboards. Mounting of the controls is a personal choice--sit in the cockpit and make the choice after you have tried it in different places