Need some sage advice here before I start drilling. I have a 1974 Catalina 27' sailboat that has a dead and more than likely seized Atomic 4 inboard. I plan to replace this later with possibly and electric drive, but in the mean time I was going to install Garelick outboard motor bracket and a Honda 10hp 4 stroke long shaft, to putt me out of the marina. I can place the bracket anywhere on the transom as the rudder is mounted under the boat. I was thinking of mounting it dead center so thrust of the prop is on the centerline of the hull. The transom does not have an opening (notch) for an outboard so I was thinking in terms of egonomics in accessing the throttle grip. I have seen many of these installations in my marina where the engine is installed on the port or starboard side of the transom. Usually it's because the rudder obstructs the center. In this model there is a rear bench to sit on that spans the transom and it is a wheeled model. Port, starboard, center? Which is the best overall placement. Thanks Bill
Outboard Motor Placement on a C27
- Thread starter billybob
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Wherever it is easiest to reach for steering
I don't think there is any advantage in installing the outboard motor on the center line regarding water flow over the rudder or hull . You will use the OB tiller (as well as the wheel) to steer when docking etc. Find the most comfortable location to reach it. You need to be able to reach the tiller & gear shifter while at the helm. Even on smaller boats like mine, it is difficult to reach down & back to reach the gear shifter & tiller so I made an extension for the shifter lever. I am curious about your future electric drive. Merry Christmas to all & best wishes for the New Sailing Year!!
I don't think there is any advantage in installing the outboard motor on the center line regarding water flow over the rudder or hull . You will use the OB tiller (as well as the wheel) to steer when docking etc. Find the most comfortable location to reach it. You need to be able to reach the tiller & gear shifter while at the helm. Even on smaller boats like mine, it is difficult to reach down & back to reach the gear shifter & tiller so I made an extension for the shifter lever. I am curious about your future electric drive. Merry Christmas to all & best wishes for the New Sailing Year!!
Bob B. Can you post a picture?
I have a C22 and would like to see what you did to make an extension. It would definitely make docking a lot easier.
I have a C22 and would like to see what you did to make an extension. It would definitely make docking a lot easier.
Put it on the centerline......
...then you can steer with the rudder rather than the OB. I recommend you try to find a 10-15HP remote control equipped O.B. with electric start. Which is the preferred power setup for the 27. The transom on the 27 is much higher than the C22 so you can't even make a comparison. Also the c22 has a transom mounted rudder, thus the side mounted OB. It is very difficult to use the tiller handle with the outboard in the down position. If you have no choice, tilt the handle up so you can reach it for speed and shift control and steer with the rudder. Use the prop walk (pulls to port in reverse) to back out of the slip. The long shaft's prop should clear the C27's rear angled rudder but check before drilling. Also, I recommend a backing plate of 1/2 inch, or greater, marine plywood for the motor mount to give the transom added strenght.
...then you can steer with the rudder rather than the OB. I recommend you try to find a 10-15HP remote control equipped O.B. with electric start. Which is the preferred power setup for the 27. The transom on the 27 is much higher than the C22 so you can't even make a comparison. Also the c22 has a transom mounted rudder, thus the side mounted OB. It is very difficult to use the tiller handle with the outboard in the down position. If you have no choice, tilt the handle up so you can reach it for speed and shift control and steer with the rudder. Use the prop walk (pulls to port in reverse) to back out of the slip. The long shaft's prop should clear the C27's rear angled rudder but check before drilling. Also, I recommend a backing plate of 1/2 inch, or greater, marine plywood for the motor mount to give the transom added strenght.
Electric Drive?
Hi Billybob, First of all, I know nothing about brushless motors nor electronic commutation. But....while sailing, do you think that there will be enough torque on the prop to turn the motor/generator through a gearbox?? This would be a speed increaser when prop driven. Seems to me the Honda EU200 would be the way to go for battery charging.
Hi Billybob, First of all, I know nothing about brushless motors nor electronic commutation. But....while sailing, do you think that there will be enough torque on the prop to turn the motor/generator through a gearbox?? This would be a speed increaser when prop driven. Seems to me the Honda EU200 would be the way to go for battery charging.
way too complicated....
...a solution for a simple problem. All you really need is a used 6-8hp ob for $500-600. Mount it on the centerline with access to the shift and throttle (I like Bob B's mods). You can steer with the rudder. Anyway, since it's a temporary solution, when you get the saildrive installed you'll have the perfect dinghy motor for your tender...or you can easily sell the used OB for what you paid for it. If you get a 6 hp it should be light enough pull off and store in the house when you're away from the boat.
...a solution for a simple problem. All you really need is a used 6-8hp ob for $500-600. Mount it on the centerline with access to the shift and throttle (I like Bob B's mods). You can steer with the rudder. Anyway, since it's a temporary solution, when you get the saildrive installed you'll have the perfect dinghy motor for your tender...or you can easily sell the used OB for what you paid for it. If you get a 6 hp it should be light enough pull off and store in the house when you're away from the boat.
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