Yamaha 9.9 doesn't fit H26 mount space

Apr 10, 2010
159
Hunter 26 Boca Chica, Rep. of Panama
I'm 5+ months getting a motor to Panama. Its a long story.

I really depend on a motor against 15 ft and sometimes 17 ft tide changes. I have to maneuver around moorings and cut across either a tide coming in or going out to get onto my trailer. I don't leave it in the water.

Now I discover that I don't have a full rotation range that I had with the old 2008 Nissan 9.8 that failed.

The motor tiller arm is the problem. I can't get a full starboard turn. If I could raise it up 2 1/2" approx. that could fix the problem but than I loose that 2 1/2" prop depth.

I could cut the hull away "maybe" but that's a little radical for me.

If I attached a bracket to the existing bracket moving the motor further from the transom I get a partial solution but then the motor tiller is a long reach and it may still hit the guard railing on the stern that the rudder tiller sticks through. In this case I could maybe resolve this by getting a "extension tiller that attaches to the motor tiller.

anyone else run into this problem and if so what was the solution?

thank you
 

Attachments

May 24, 2004
7,202
CC 30 South Florida
I see your problem, but it should not be a problem. I have had a couple outboard powered pocket cruisers and have always set the engine in a fixed position electing to steer with the boat's large powerful rudder. I'll admit it takes a little bit of practice to back the boat up but most sailboats require it as well. I would not think that using the engine to steer an h26 over the transom is such an easy endeavor in itself. I would think your best option would be to install a lifting motor mount in the existing bracket. That would move the engine back allowing it free movement. The addition of a tiller extender would allow you to swivel the head and even operate the throttle. If you get a long enough one it could even allow you to set the tiller at an angle and permit you to stand upright while steering.
 
Apr 10, 2010
159
Hunter 26 Boca Chica, Rep. of Panama
I just assumed these stainless motor mount extensions came with the boat but maybe they were added by the previous owner. They work though.
Interesting and there is an angle I note in the bracket? Do you know why and if so what is the angle.

I can't quite make out the photo with a what looks like a safety hook? There's a separate bracket bolted to the motor there too?

thanks
 

BrianW

.
Jan 7, 2005
843
Hunter 26 Guntersville Lake, (AL)
For that extra tight turn, are you able to simply raise the engine tiller and clear the hull? It's less mechanical advantage, but it works on my H26 and Honda 9.9. Like someone said earlier, I mainly steer with my boat tiller, but for me, a slow reverse is done with both tillers. BrianW
 
Apr 10, 2010
159
Hunter 26 Boca Chica, Rep. of Panama
Correct, I switch to the main rudder at the first opportunity depending on available depths. At high tide (ebb tide) I can come right in with the main rudder and it's a much easier task than having to steer with the motor. However that's not always the case. More often than not I'm not coming dock side at a choice time. In fact if the tide is really out i have to tie up and let the marina operator load it on the trailer when the tides back in. This was the case when the oil pump failed (I guess) and I was told by the operator the Nissan froze up last time the boat was being trailered 6 months ago
 
Apr 10, 2010
159
Hunter 26 Boca Chica, Rep. of Panama
Nope. That's what really got my attention. I need that steering flexibility too. I have a pier next to the loading ramp. It's foundation is an nasty pile of barnacle covered boulders I'd hate to tangle with. I once had to abort, tried swinging out with a out going tide and smacked a floating dock at the end of the pier. I punched a hole luckily above the water line and only through the outer wall. Never again will I attempt that on an outgoing tide.
 
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
I share your frustration as I just got a Catalina 250 and a new 9.8 Tohatsu. I look like a novice docking and undocking this thing even though I have sailed for many years! I think I can balance the motor between the constraining panels enough to get a small amount of turning ability each way. Try sliding yours away from the handle until it will turn the same limited amount each way. I do not want my motor mounted further back so will have to use the rudder more effectively. Good luck! Chief
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,532
-na -NA Anywhere USA
The original outboard motor bracket was screwed into the transom with no offset of the stainless steel brackets. That is the reason you are having problems. I would suggest ordering the stainless steel brackets and putting them on. I believe the bolt pattern is the same as on your outboard motor wood bracket. Make sure to caulk the holes. Order them thru this site.

I introduced all the water ballast models for Hunter and have some experience and knowledge as I sold nearly 25% of that production line of the Hunter 26 water ballast
 
Apr 10, 2010
159
Hunter 26 Boca Chica, Rep. of Panama
The original outboard motor bracket was screwed into the transom with no offset of the stainless steel brackets. That is the reason you are having problems. I would suggest ordering the stainless steel brackets and putting them on. I believe the bolt pattern is the same as on your outboard motor wood bracket. Make sure to caulk the holes. Order them thru this site.

I introduced all the water ballast models for Hunter and have some experience and knowledge as I sold nearly 25% of that production line of the Hunter 26 water ballast
All very interesting feed back. Now I see by what you are saying that later models of the H26 came with this bracket.

I'd like to get the specs if that's possible for this bracket. I could have one made up tomorrow knowing the specs. Otherwise another month waiting for it plus shipping & duty to get it here in western Panama 8.49N 82.37W.

I might try making one from just the photos here that have been provided
 
Apr 10, 2010
159
Hunter 26 Boca Chica, Rep. of Panama
I found something that I think is the brackets at this site store. Gee's they say a month to get them made up, and then as I said another 3 to 4 weeks unless I have them air freighted here. Kaching kaching. I have an engineer examining the photo's and the machine shop has the photos. I think this is my best route. many thanks
 
Apr 10, 2010
159
Hunter 26 Boca Chica, Rep. of Panama
Re: Drawing

Fantastic! I'm off to the machine shop with this!
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
 
Sep 25, 2008
10
Can you fit enough thickness of plywood plate on the outboard side to move the motor enough to help clear? I would guess you could get 1/4 to 1/2" that way.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,532
-na -NA Anywhere USA
It is a lot easier just to get the metal brackets. Tried adding thickness to the standard bracket on the 26, not the 260, and the problem you will have is trying to mount the motor onto the bracket anyway plus it was not enough to get it clear for the motor to turn freely.