outboard engine mount on a 260

[Kivalo]

I have a 2003 260 and my outboard decided it needed a new impeller. My father has loaned me 4stroke air cooled Honda outboard that is either a 6hp or 4 hp. When I installed it on the 260 I discovered the shaft was not quit long enough, a small portion of the prop sticks out of the water. I had thought I would solve this problem by lowering the black engine mounting bracket to the lower holes. This would only leave two bolts holding on the engine mount bracket instead of four. Since I only need to do this for a few days to a week I was thinking it would be fine.

Anyone do this with success? Any reason not too?

 

[JoeWhite]

I would not vote for it. 4-stroke engine is a pretty heavy engine. Also 4 or 6 HP is not enough power for a 26 foot sailboat.

 

[Kivalo]

I would not vote for it. 4-stroke engine is a pretty heavy engine. Also 4 or 6 HP is not enough power for a 26 foot sailboat.

You're right it isn't enough but until my 9.9 is back its all I have. However I should have put this in the original post, this air cooled 4stroke was roughly half the weight of my Nissan 9.9 hp.

 

[av8erdunn]

Yes its only half the weight with a little more than half the thrust but you only have half the bolts holding the motor on as well. It might work but mights (mites) are also little bugs that are on a chickens butt!! You may very well be buying him another motor as well if it decides to dump it in the water. The choice is yours but I wouldn't do it.

 

[mmsailor]

Bad Idea

I have a 2003 260 and my outboard decided it needed a new impeller. My father has loaned me 4stroke air cooled Honda outboard that is either a 6hp or 4 hp. When I installed it on the 260 I discovered the shaft was not quit long enough, a small portion of the prop sticks out of the water. I had thought I would solve this problem by lowering the black engine mounting bracket to the lower holes. This would only leave two bolts holding on the engine mount bracket instead of four. Since I only need to do this for a few days to a week I was thinking it would be fine.

Anyone do this with success? Any reason not too?

Not a good idea on so many levels

 

[BrianW]

It only takes an hour to replace an impeller. If you get started right now, you could be fully powered up by bedtime! BrianW

 

[Kivalo]

It only takes an hour to replace an impeller. If you get started right now, you could be fully powered up by bedtime! BrianW

You know its funny you say that. While I was disconnecting the outboard I was thinking to myself it would be faster to just change the damn impeller at the dock. LOL

Oh well, next time I'll just do it myself.

 

[Kivalo]

Yes its only half the weight with a little more than half the thrust but you only have half the bolts holding the motor on as well. It might work but mights (mites) are also little bugs that are on a chickens butt!! You may very well be buying him another motor as well if it decides to dump it in the water. The choice is yours but I wouldn't do it.

You make a good case. I will leave it as is.

 

[Kivalo]

The way the waterfront at my house is I'll be able to get by with the smaller engine. The depth at my dock forces me to raise my keel and rudder and anyone who's tried to drive a 260 with just the engine will agree, they handle terribly with just the engine. Still tho I'll only need the engine for a minute or two to get into mid-thigh deep water. I'll walk it from there.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Kivalo;

If you want me to discuss engines, I will be glad to do so as this is a boat I know all too well as a former dealer selling 20% or more of the production line. Contact me thru this forum email and I will call next week as I will be out of range in the mountains.

 

[Kivalo]

I appreciate the offer, Dave. You're always quick to offer help, a few years ago you helped with my rudder. Thanks, man!

I decided to err on the side of caution and just deal with it until I get my Nissan back from the mechanic. Next time I'll do this repair on my own. Live and learn.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Brad

 

[Benny17441]

There is one person that could really give a good answer to your question. Ask your father.

 

[isaksp00]

If it is really air cooled I suppose you could mount it with all four bolts and let the tip of the prop run above water - with obviously reduced thrust. I am not sure Honda makes any outboards as large as even 4HP that are air cooled, though, so maybe you have one that is water cooled or maybe it is more like a 2 or so HP. Would a 2 or 3 HP with part of the prop out of the water do anything much for a 26 ft?

 

[Kivalo]

If it is really air cooled I suppose you could mount it with all four bolts and let the tip of the prop run above water - with obviously reduced thrust. I am not sure Honda makes any outboards as large as even 4HP that are air cooled, though, so maybe you have one that is water cooled or maybe it is more like a 2 or so HP. Would a 2 or 3 HP with part of the prop out of the water do anything much for a 26 ft?

I was wrong, its a 2hp. I tried using it the other day and the wind completely overpowered it and pushed the boat to shore. I am now going to mount it on my walker bay, Im thinking since it will be mounted at the proper hight it will work much better.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Any engine under 6 hp is underrated for either the 26 and 260 based on many boats that I delivered which were quite a few for the 26 and 260. In fact, anything over 10 hp is not needed as you will start plowing at full throttle thus the transoms are rated up to 10 hp only for what it is worth.

 

[Kivalo]

I have heard that before. I just needed to put one on as a stopgap, so to speak, while my 9.9 was being repaired. This little 2hp is definitely not big enough.