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Motor mount

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jims
Deckhand

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13 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/26/2005 : 11:21:10

First sail of the season and everything went great with the exception of cavitation issues with my 9.8 Nissan 4 stroke on my new 4 spring bracket from Catalina Direct. I can't get it into the lowest position. I remember reading a post on taking out a spring to reduce the lift but not sure which one and I do not have a backing board, mounted directly to transom(stainless backing plates on the inside). I sail in the ocean and need to remedy asap.
Also, when the moter,x-tra long shaft, is pulled up to the upright position, the prop just touches the water and I don't have to cock the engine.
I am open to all suggestions... Thanks
Jims

Edited by - on

dhunt
1st Mate

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USA
83 Posts

Response Posted - 06/26/2005 : 17:55:24

Jim - I have the 4 spring mount and an 85 Evinrude Yachtwin - I don't know the exact weight but it is on the heavy side. Like you, I could not get the motor to go to the lowest setting. The notch is just a half inch or so from the upper setting but those springs are STRONG! Here's what I did to remedy the situation:

First let me state that in MY case, I did have starboard between the bracket and the transom. Since you do not, the be aware parts of this procedure MAY damage your gelcoat if you are not CAREFUL.

The procedure is to 'unload' the spring(s) that are on the transom side of the mount. You'll notice that one side of the spring is resting on a pin that fits between the rails of the mount. These pins can be very easily removed. Once they are gone, the sharp, loaded end of a active spring is going to be resting against your transom so you'll need something to spread the load.

1. To 'test' the solution, I'd use a small 2" square of 1/8" mild steel.
2. I'd use some kind of temporary adhesive to hold the metal plate in place
3. With a lever (I used a small crow bar) move the end of the spring away from the pin that its resting on - this is very easy to do - individually these springs are very manageable.
4. When the sping is unloaded, you can just pull the pin out - it has a groove at one end that keeps it in place when the spring rests on it
5. Gently ease the spring onto the metal plate.

You've just 'loosened' one spring by about 1/2" - Try to get the motor into the full down position . . . If its still too difficult, repeat the procedure and unload the second spring.

For me - this was close to perfect. I sometimes have a little trouble getting the mount OUT OF the down position, but once I clear the notch, the motor rises slightly and is easy to hoist the rest of the way. Getting it down is easy.

Save the pins - the springs will probably weaken over time and the pins are easy to re-insert. If this works for you, then add a star board plate between the transom and mount and call it permanent. Until then, just make sure the 'buffer' plates are there to protect your gelcoat and enjoy the season!

Edited by - dhunt on 06/26/2005 18:02:57

jims
Deckhand

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13 Posts

Response Posted - 06/26/2005 : 18:45:37

Dave,
I am so happy for your input... had to try it again today and what I did was put my foot on the handle and applied slight downward pressure with some lateral movement and it went onto the furthest position. Had to leave it there while sailing and reversed this action when back at mooring.
Questions:
1)In the upright position, does your prop "kiss" the water? Mine does and I think this is great because I don't have to hang it out with all the traffic.
2)Do you sail with your motor in upright or do you cock her forward?
3) because of the slight curvature to the transom, my bracket, with my back to the bow and facing the stern, appears on the right side to be slightly less alligned when trying to set the notch in for the lowest position. Don't know if this is clear but thought next year I could put the entire assembly on starboard and maybe allow for this so the "left" side of the bracket would be in line with the "right" side.
I am going to accomplish this task asap and will advise.
Did you do this in the water??
Thanks again, I can't wait to try.
Best,
Jims

Edited by - on

dhunt
1st Mate

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USA
83 Posts

Response Posted - 06/26/2005 : 18:53:46

Jim -

1 - I have to tilt the Evinrude forward or the prop spins when I'm on a starboard tack
2 - (read 1)
3 - haven't noticed any alignment problems.

I removed the pins at the dock just before sailing . . . motor was on the mount in the full up and locked position . . . nicest thing about this approach is you can try it in about 10 minutes and nothing about it is permanent . . . the only tool is the prybar.

D

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/26/2005 : 23:28:05

This is a terrific tech tip thread, thanks Dave.

Edited by - on

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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.