Stern Rail Mounting of Tender Outboard

[Bruce Cutcliffe]

I would like to mount my recently purchased 4-hp Yamaha outboard on the stern rail of my O'Day 26. However, the motor, being a 4-stroke (unable to buy a new 2-stroke in anything under 8-hp)weighs 48 lbs (22 kg)with the internal gas tank empty. I would have prefered the Yamaha 2.5-hp (also a four-stroke) that weighs only 37-lbs, but doubt if 2.5-hp would be adequate for my 9'4" inflatable. I know 48-lbs does not sound like much weight, but I am concerned with the weight on the stern rail. The O'Day 26 has a single stern rail. There are two supporting T-rails, but no lower rail. The small internal gas tank, when full, would probably add an additional 1.5 to 2.0 lbs. If necessary, I could probably exchange the motor for the 2.5-hp model as it is brand new. There is not really any other acceptable location to store an outboard on the sailboat. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks, Bruce C.

 

[pbud]

outboard bracket

Bruce, not being total familar with your set up. When I had my catalina Capri 26 I had a similar situation. What I did on mine was to make sure that ihad the wooden pad position over the uprite, at the Tee. I was supporting a mariner 5hp and never had any problems with it.

 

[muised]

Wood bracket

I have an O'Day 25 with probably the same rail. You can purchase a bracket made for this purpose, or make one quite easily out of two 1 X 6 boards screwed together with cutouts for the rails. I personally would not worry about 50 lbs on the rail. If you are considering swapping your motor, you should have no problem. I use a Suzuki 2.2 hp outboard on my 9' inflatable (air floor) and it works fine. I would guess the 2.5 HP 4 stroke would have more power, and if planing is not a requirement I would go with the lightest outboard you can get away with.