Outboard - transom vs bracket mount

[beeteejr]

My boat is a Daysailer 3. I'm looking for some feedback on mounting an outboard kicker on the transom vs an adjustable bracket. I'm searching for a good buy on a used outboard between 2.5 and 3.5 horsepower. I'm finding a lack of decent choices with a 20" shaft which I believe is what I need. I can use a 15" shaft motor if I mount it on an adjustable bracket. A 20" can go directly on the transom and get the prop deep enough into the water to work.

What are the pro's and con's of these 2 mounting choices?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[djplatt@cogeco.ca]

I have used both on my old C&C 25 Redline. The boat had a kicker on it when I got but also had a removable cutout in the transom for bolting on an outboard. I removed the kicker after a season and used the transom cutout. There are advantages and disadvantages to both setups.

Kicker Advantages:
You can get the prop deeper in the water. This is an advantage in waves. Otherwise it doesn't matter much.

You can get the prop clear of the water. Always annoying to be dragging the lower end on those heeled over port tacks.

Motor vibration is less apparent.

Transon advantages:

You can reach the controls without leaning out of the boat. This is useful for close quarters manuvering and it is nice not to have lean out of the boat when things are unsettled.

Transom mount have less spots for thieves to access when they are attempting to make off with your outboard.

On the whole, I preferred the transom mount.

david

 

[beeteejr]

Thanks for your thoughts David!

Bill