Transom Motor Mount weight capacity

[windsurfer101]

Hello everyone,

I have a 1984 25.5 Hunter, with what seems to be an original transom mount, and it's currently holding a 7.5 HP Honda from the same time period, which weights about 78 pounds according to the Specs of that motor. I just purchased a 1990 15HP Honda, which according to the Specs the dry weight is 109 pounds. I haven't had the chance to mount it yet, and my concern is whether the extra 30 pounds may me an overburden on the transom mount. I uploaded a couple of pictures of the configuration. The interior picture is the inside part of the transom attachment. If anyone has any input regarding this it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[bootyhunter]

I have same boat, same mount. However I do not have the interior support (wood) threw transom bulkhead. My mount currently has a 72' evinrude 9.5 horse that weighs 91 lbs. I would think that with your interior supports you should have no issues with the 109 lbs.

One question I have for you is that in one of your photos I see your fuel line coming through the transom at the motor mount. Where do you house the fuel tank? And was that mod difficulty to do?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I never recommend anything over 10 hp due to the design of outboard motor brackets which most encompass the weight but some are specific for the newer four stroke engines as they are generally heavier and the transom as well. Please remember this is a displacement hull and not a planning hull like power boats where the transoms are built more solid. In addition at full throttle with a 15 hp, most displacement sailboat hulls will start plowing with the bow raising up thus slowing you down.

As for the gas line in the cabin or rear berth compartment, I hope you are not storing the gas tank inside the boat. The fumes from it are obnoxious and explosive. Enough said other than boats I saw destroyed due to vaapors from inside stored gas tanks in the cabin. You will note that generally all gas lockers are ventilated.

crazy dave condon

 

[windsurfer101]

Hey guys, thank you for your responses,

After thinking it over, with the two 2x4's I think it wont have a problem holding the weight either. Regarding the fuel tank, I didn't design the current configuration, I purchased the boat the way it is, but the gas tank is inside the starboard side locker in the cockpit, and the fuel line comes out the back. I have found fuel fumes at times when I open the boat, but not too strong and it has been because I have left the fuel cap valve open. I normally open the front hatch and let air flow through before I do anything. Regarding the 15HP engine I just purchased, I got a really good deal on it, only 500 bucks, and the current 7.5 is starting to go, so I have no choice but to replace it. The damn thing has conked out on me at the WORST of times, such as when I have been about to cross a draw bridge, or right after, and THANK GOD it has never died on me while in the middle of crossing a drawbridge...yet! I do realize that putting that 15HP at full throttle my be counterproductive, however I travel the intra-coastal in Florida all the time, and when going through bridges, the 7.5 would not keep up at times, and the crossing would be at 1 or 2 miles an hour, and with the motor about to die, so I figured, I'd rather have the extra power. Also I believe the 15HP running at 50 or 60 percent throttle would probably give me the same speed of the 7.5 running at full throttle... Would u guys agree ???