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Motor Bracket Stress Cracks

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SeFairMarin
Deckhand

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USA
3 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/19/2006 : 17:29:35

Hello,
I offered on a 1983 SK/TR this afternoon. The hull shows stress cracks where the top two motor bracket mounting bolts attach to the hull. The motor mount is a single spring model. Is it time to upgrade to a 4-spring Garhauer and move the mount to the Port side?

Thank you,
Bill

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2006 : 18:04:20

Assuming these are just gelcoat cracks... very common.

Dunno about needing to switch sides, (I'd leave alone).

I sandwiched the transom with backing plates on the inside and oversize pieces of teak bedded on the outside (mounted between the mount and the hull)... it really stiffens the area and provides a lot more load bearing area. Radius all your corners. (you won't see the cracks anymore either)

New mount is a good idea if you're going to put a heavier outboard on. (almost a given as you can't buy lightweight 2 strokes anymore)

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2006 : 18:04:28

Hi Bill, the stress cracks are most likely in the gel coat. I have them as well. They look like spider legs eminating from the bolts. For me, it is not an issue. My motor is on the port side but most of the boats have the motor on the starboard side. It was a listing issue. Cheers.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2006 : 20:47:18

Sorry, Clam and djn, but I don't agree. The bracket pulls outward on the two top bolts and pushes in on the bottom. Those cracks are likely to be evidence of too much flexing in the laminates, and possibly cracks in there as well. The plates inside and out are key--spreading the load away from the bolts. I used 1/2" Starboard, and made it reach well below the bracket on the outside (rounded along the side of the hull). Clam is right--on the inside, make the corners round and even round the edges, because the plate is on a slightly concave surface where the corners could create concentrated stresses. I'd probably make this "sandwich" on the same side (starboard) to cover the mess--no reason not to use the same holes. Moving it to port will be no fun at all, especially if you have the cockpit fuel locker. (Have you crawled around in the dumpster?) And it puts the motor tiller on the outside. The 4-spring bracket does nothing for this issue--it just makes it easier to lift Honda and Yamaha 4-strokes, and is probably overkill for 2-strokes.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.