To Be or not to be?

[Bad Obsession]

I have something mounted to the stern of my boat. It looks like an old bracket that a motor bracket once went into.

The odd thing is that on the port side of the transom I have the normal bracket for my outboard. It is the "factory" location for this bracket.

The starboard side has that old bracket and a ladder.

I am thinking about moving that old piece of hardware.

Here are the possibilities:
1. Leave the bracket there since it isn't sticking out too much, it isn't really in the way of anything crucial, and it isn't causing any issues (i.e. leaking etc.). I am not sure if I can really find any uses for this bracket at this point.

2. Remove the bracket:
a. Fill the holes with Marine Tex or some other filler.
b. Put hardware into the old holes that are left from the bolts and use bedding tape to ensure that it doesn't leak.

What would you do in this situation?

 

[patrickince]

Is it a bracket for a outboard motor lift?

 

[Bad Obsession]

I can only guess. It doesn't have the lifting bracket attached, just looks like a base plate. The ladder is in the way so it can't be used.

I have no idea why it is there.

 

[Bad Obsession]

I think that it is one of these: http://www.boatmania.com/prop-trim/outboard-motor-brackets/outboard-motor-bracket-adapter-plate.html

Either way, you couldn't put an outboard lifting bracket on there because the ladder is in the way.

 

[Ward H]

If it has been there a while it will probably leave a "shadow" on the gel coat, like old lettering does if you remove it.
Depends on how anal you are. I wouldn't mind the shadow so I would remove it and use hardware with butyl tape to seal the holes. This way I am sure the holes are sealed instead of relying on whoever installed the plate.
I also think a couple of stainless hex or round head bolts look better than a patched hole that looks like a patched hole. The hardware will look like it has a purpose.

 

[Ron20324]

...What would you do in this situation?

\
Me, I'd ask for a picture.

 

[centerline]

\
Me, I'd ask for a picture.

I agree with Ron....
the mounting bracket may be a useful attachment for something that you dont even realize you need yet.... but if we could see a pic and possibly identify it, you may realize that what mounts there is just what your boat needs more of, since it doesnt have any yet...

 

[Ron20324]

Might have been used to mount a BBQ?

 

[All U Get]

Get a wind generator quick.

All U Get

 

[31seahorse]

Did you ever consider "twin" outboards? I guess it would be wiser to buy a MacGregor if you wanted a sailboat that could get up on plane.

But, seriously, that plate is often put onto a trailerable sailboat so the otboard can be removed and then the outboard hi-lo bracket can be removed. Useful for trailering, but then those parts need to be stored and secured somewhere. We also installed one of those on my son's bass boat so we could use a small 2 Hp Honda OB on a hi-lo- bracket now and then for trolling for Lake Trout.

 

[Bad Obsession]

The P.O. told me that this is a mount for a fishing rod holder. I need to locate the holder in the boat.

I will have to see how this works and how I like it before I make any decisions about it. I was always partial to rod holders on the pushpit.