Last season, we replaced our 8 hp 2 cycle with a 4 cycle (which is perhaps 20-25 pounds heavier). The new engine is extemely quite. We only use the engine to get in and out of the marina and occasionally on those completely still days. Since replacement, I believe there is more play in the bracket, although I have no way to prove it. The bracket is basicly an aluminum device, which is spring loaded. The device consists of a plate bolted to the hull. This plate has two vertically alligned parallel bars attached at pivot points to both the hull plate and a similar plate attached to a laminated wood engine plate. The bracket swings thru and arc with an approximate 12 inch radius. This was the bracket on the boat when puchased new in 1984. We use full down for operation and full up under sail. Does anyone know of a way to evaluate or reinforce the integrity of such a device? Any advice will be appreciated.
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beef up
I have a 25 and replaced what had been a bomb proof Evinrude 9 2 stroke(the bomb didn't kill it I did) with a Tohatsu 9 four stroke. EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE suggested a new bracket. The four evidently creates more torque and the added weight "requires" a beefier bracket. I bought the story and got a new bracket. The new one is so much more tightly wound that without the motor on it I had to get in the dingy and hang on the thing to get it to move during installation. I thought I had left a clip on. With the motor is works nice and smooth. For the money it ought to. They aren't cheap. Mine matched up perfectly with the old holes from the old bracket. IF you buy one BE CAREFUL with how much movement it says you'll get. Mine matched up perfectly but now I have to lower it 'cause I can't get enough of it into the water. With a couple of grand in a motor the bracket seems like a reasonable investment to keep it on the boat. Good luck. They're calling for mid 50 to 60 here next week. (20 - 30s now) Mike
I have a 25 and replaced what had been a bomb proof Evinrude 9 2 stroke(the bomb didn't kill it I did) with a Tohatsu 9 four stroke. EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE suggested a new bracket. The four evidently creates more torque and the added weight "requires" a beefier bracket. I bought the story and got a new bracket. The new one is so much more tightly wound that without the motor on it I had to get in the dingy and hang on the thing to get it to move during installation. I thought I had left a clip on. With the motor is works nice and smooth. For the money it ought to. They aren't cheap. Mine matched up perfectly with the old holes from the old bracket. IF you buy one BE CAREFUL with how much movement it says you'll get. Mine matched up perfectly but now I have to lower it 'cause I can't get enough of it into the water. With a couple of grand in a motor the bracket seems like a reasonable investment to keep it on the boat. Good luck. They're calling for mid 50 to 60 here next week. (20 - 30s now) Mike
You Need a New Bracket
They didn't make four stroke outboards when your boat was built, and the bracket wasn't designed to handle it. Mike has it right: its not just the extra weight of the four stroke you need to be concerned with. Its also the extra torque that is generated, especially at low speeds by the four stroke. Its a royal pain, but you should upgrade your bracket.
They didn't make four stroke outboards when your boat was built, and the bracket wasn't designed to handle it. Mike has it right: its not just the extra weight of the four stroke you need to be concerned with. Its also the extra torque that is generated, especially at low speeds by the four stroke. Its a royal pain, but you should upgrade your bracket.
1985 ofday anniversary 26 ftr
I replaced mine a year ago thru rudy at d&r marine in assonet mass.You can however get direct, but beware you must beef up the support. I have access on my 26 silver edition albeit tight I can get in there.
I replaced mine a year ago thru rudy at d&r marine in assonet mass.You can however get direct, but beware you must beef up the support. I have access on my 26 silver edition albeit tight I can get in there.
Thank you
Thank you so much for sharing the info. We will not get back in the water until early May, so this will give me time to find a replacement bracket or beef up the one I have. Either way, I now have some info to go on. Sail on.
Thank you so much for sharing the info. We will not get back in the water until early May, so this will give me time to find a replacement bracket or beef up the one I have. Either way, I now have some info to go on. Sail on.
Charles-Which vertical lift?
Charles, which version of the Garelick did you get? I see there are 2, a 15.5" and a 9.5". My current lift is about 16" I was concerned when I saw the base plate was larger than the wedge. Also, concerned about the apparent paint finish. Will it hold up to the salt? I was contemplating beefing up the existing bracket with helper bars mounted outside the bracket and spring assembly by adding longer bolts. I would have to find a source for machining aluminum bar. Your installation looks really good. I am rethinking the beef-up. I am interested in your opinion. Thank you
Charles, which version of the Garelick did you get? I see there are 2, a 15.5" and a 9.5". My current lift is about 16" I was concerned when I saw the base plate was larger than the wedge. Also, concerned about the apparent paint finish. Will it hold up to the salt? I was contemplating beefing up the existing bracket with helper bars mounted outside the bracket and spring assembly by adding longer bolts. I would have to find a source for machining aluminum bar. Your installation looks really good. I am rethinking the beef-up. I am interested in your opinion. Thank you
Which Vertical Lift
I used the Garelick with the 9.5" vertical lift with of course a long shaft outboard. I have since moved the bracket to my 26 O'day with satisfactory results but if the shaft were an inch shorter I would be in trouble. It was perfect for the 23. If you are interested in taking a first hand look Westbrook is only 20-25 minutes from me. Let me know. Charles
I used the Garelick with the 9.5" vertical lift with of course a long shaft outboard. I have since moved the bracket to my 26 O'day with satisfactory results but if the shaft were an inch shorter I would be in trouble. It was perfect for the 23. If you are interested in taking a first hand look Westbrook is only 20-25 minutes from me. Let me know. Charles
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