Outboard Mounting - Use Bolts?

[BrianW]

Hi All. I'm a new owner of a 1994 H26. I have a Johnson 9.9 outboard mounted directly on the H26 original mounting bracket. Currently, it is only attached to the bracket with the screw-down clamps on the motor with the safety cable attached to one of the outboard screw clamps. I have had to re-tighten the clamps several times. I fear one day it's gonna jump off and test my safety cable. Should I drill through the H26 mounting bracket and bolt on the outboard? Any other advice? Thanks

 

[Rick Webb]

Probably Not Necessary

Lock the clamps together even if it is only with a zip tie and see if they still loosen up.

 

[Kevin Bladsacker]

Bike Chain

Get a high quality bike anti theft chain and either lock it to the swim ladder which can the weight of a large adult or the base of the pulpit. Those safety cables weren't built with sailboats in mind. Most small power boats don't have either option to attach the chain to, but we sailors do.

 

[Steve677]

Padlock

I torqued the clamps on my outboard close enough that I can lock them together with a padlock. Two pluses: They aren't turning and she is a lot more difficult to steal!

 

[Tom]

Bolts a good idea

Brian,Bolts are a good idea -- use stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts. Use locknuts to prevent them from backing off.A lock will likely corrode in salt water. I had a heavy duty cable with lock and I had to saw off the cable with a hack saw when I needed to remove the motor. If you do use one, pack water proof grease in the key hole and any other areas water might get in to help keep the water out.Fair winds,Tom

 

[BrianW]

If I Bolt Engine to Mount,

...how do I handle drilling through and sealing the fixed rubber coated motor mount? What is the material under the rubber? Any other precautions? Thanks