transom or well mount for outboard

[Edward J. Isenberg]

I have been toying with the idea of changing the stern mountind of the outboard motor to a well mount inside the cockpit. I need some help or ideas on this project. The stern mounting works fine; however, it is a pain to try and dock this boat with the engine on the stern. I was thinking that if I had a well mounted engine in front of the rudder I would gain more control plus the engine hood over the engine would quite the motor even more. The engine that I have is an evinrude 15 hp, 4 stroke long shaft. I have some lost space in the cockpit due to the auto helm that is installed on a square tube that is connected direct to the rudder. This gives me more cockpit space when I am either sailing or motoring. I just tip the tiller up and the only wasted space is the area the auto helm takes up. After taking a look at this space under the auto helm I came up with the idea of a well mount for the outboard!! I know that it will increase the drag, but that's not an issue since I don't due any racing. I strictly a cruiser.

 

[Paul Westcott]

Well mounted outboard

I had a well mounted outboard in a Columbia 28 years ago. Hated it, stinks up the boat, is actually noisier and impossible to get out of the water when moored. If fuel spills, I want it to go overboard, not be trapped in the well. Consider also that a following sea can make water shoot up out of a well. Keep the external mount.

 

[Dave Condon]

other info

i concur with Paul's assessment. In additoin, the engine dragging in the water would slow the boat down not to mention the additional maintenance. I have also seen many well mounted engine compartments deteriorate faster in the corners and edges due to the turbenlence. Crazy dave

 

[terry dornan]

No to the well !

had one once and hated it, gettiing the moter in and out, starting (mine was pull start) and about anyting else associated to it was a pain. The only good thing about it was it gave more space for the boat name on the transom.Specific to your question. It will not improve your control ability while motoring in reverse.terry