I'm getting really tired of taking my outboard off the motor mount when trailering. I'm afraid to leave it on while trailering because the mount is bolted directly through the transom without any backing-which results in a lot of wobble. I'm afraid that over time, the fiberglass transom would fatigue with the extra weight of the motor. I'm thinking of putting a plywood backing behind the transom so the motor mount would mount to that in addition, and would distribute the weight and shock forces. Anyone have any experience in doing this or thoughts if my theory is correct? Bryan
reinforcing transom
- Thread starter Bryan22217
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Might be a good idea...
Hi Bryan, I have a venture 21 set up the same way. I haven't been brave enough to leave the motor (only a 2.2 Johnson) on the mount while trailering either. Mine is through bolted, but no backing. I can actually see the transom flex under the mounting bracket when i lean on it. I would reccommend finding bolts and nuts(use a locking nut) going through with the widest Fender Washers you can find to help distribute the weight. buy the bolts long enough to go through a backing wood of at least 3/8 plywood(1/2 '' would be better. I would make the wood backing considerably larger than the "spread" required to fit the bolts and laminate both sides of the wood with a couple of coats before attaching(you could even epoxy the wood to the fiberglass for more strength). Both the motor mount and swim ladder are on my 'to do' list for my boat next year... bruce
Hi Bryan, I have a venture 21 set up the same way. I haven't been brave enough to leave the motor (only a 2.2 Johnson) on the mount while trailering either. Mine is through bolted, but no backing. I can actually see the transom flex under the mounting bracket when i lean on it. I would reccommend finding bolts and nuts(use a locking nut) going through with the widest Fender Washers you can find to help distribute the weight. buy the bolts long enough to go through a backing wood of at least 3/8 plywood(1/2 '' would be better. I would make the wood backing considerably larger than the "spread" required to fit the bolts and laminate both sides of the wood with a couple of coats before attaching(you could even epoxy the wood to the fiberglass for more strength). Both the motor mount and swim ladder are on my 'to do' list for my boat next year... bruce
Thanks Bruce,
That's exactly what I'm thinking of doing. The flexing of the transom you mention makes me worrisome that it may give out someday, Bryan
That's exactly what I'm thinking of doing. The flexing of the transom you mention makes me worrisome that it may give out someday, Bryan
Plywood backing plate
My V-222 has a backing plate, its definitely a thing to do. Its probably original (1977) but I can't remember if its sandwiched with a layer of fglass or not. At any rate, a piece of plywood will do but I would recommend at least sealing the edges with epoxy, against any sweat from the hull. You might also check out a transom saver if you tilt the motor.
My V-222 has a backing plate, its definitely a thing to do. Its probably original (1977) but I can't remember if its sandwiched with a layer of fglass or not. At any rate, a piece of plywood will do but I would recommend at least sealing the edges with epoxy, against any sweat from the hull. You might also check out a transom saver if you tilt the motor.
It has been years since I have been in one of the quarter berths and worked my way to the stern of my V-21, but I believe my 1970 has a reinforced area in the fiberglass for the motor mount. As I remember it is about 1/2 inch thicker than the surrounding.
backing plate
I have a mid seventies 21 and there is a wood, plywood I think, backing plate for the outboard bracket. Bruce's suggestion it the only way I'd go, and I don't trailer my motor. Bob
I have a mid seventies 21 and there is a wood, plywood I think, backing plate for the outboard bracket. Bruce's suggestion it the only way I'd go, and I don't trailer my motor. Bob
Backing Plate
Back in 96 I put a large Stainless backing plate on the transom......I use a 50hp Tohatsu and I am on the water more than the average cap'n.....I have no stress marks in the gel coat and I just keep in mind that the motormount screws need snugged once in a while.....but , a plate is definately a must.
Back in 96 I put a large Stainless backing plate on the transom......I use a 50hp Tohatsu and I am on the water more than the average cap'n.....I have no stress marks in the gel coat and I just keep in mind that the motormount screws need snugged once in a while.....but , a plate is definately a must.
motor mount
I've got a 1974 venture 21,and trailor mine with a 5 hp 4 stroke on.I raised the mount 3in. and added two more bolts(4 now) I tip the motor up and bunge it.So far so good.I've also moved my boat 2 or 3in. forward to add more tounge wt.I oiled my leaf springs were they slide on each other.It tends to have a softer ride.
I've got a 1974 venture 21,and trailor mine with a 5 hp 4 stroke on.I raised the mount 3in. and added two more bolts(4 now) I tip the motor up and bunge it.So far so good.I've also moved my boat 2 or 3in. forward to add more tounge wt.I oiled my leaf springs were they slide on each other.It tends to have a softer ride.
Here's a picture
of the mount that broke on the way to the lake one day. The pad that the motor clamps to snapped off and trashed a pretty good out board. I wouldn't leave the motor on this one while on the road. Here's how to see it. Go to thread Restoring old f/glass Deck/hull. click the photo on Star brite marine polish.
of the mount that broke on the way to the lake one day. The pad that the motor clamps to snapped off and trashed a pretty good out board. I wouldn't leave the motor on this one while on the road. Here's how to see it. Go to thread Restoring old f/glass Deck/hull. click the photo on Star brite marine polish.
good to take off while transporting
i just bought a 1985 21' and all the research that i did ,highly suggest that you take the outboard off due to stress.what i do is i have a nissan pathfinder that i tow my boat with and i attach the outboard to the outside rear spare tire rack while i tow the boat. by the way do you happen to have a copy of the owners manual that i could copy? please contact me at donaldjackson@peoplepc.com thanks
i just bought a 1985 21' and all the research that i did ,highly suggest that you take the outboard off due to stress.what i do is i have a nissan pathfinder that i tow my boat with and i attach the outboard to the outside rear spare tire rack while i tow the boat. by the way do you happen to have a copy of the owners manual that i could copy? please contact me at donaldjackson@peoplepc.com thanks
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