(127 mm). } The height of the transom is calculated by measuring from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom, using the center line. Pretty easy to figure out but like I said its crucial to pairing a motor with a boat. These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. When fighting waves from the stern, a 20-inch transom is considerably safer. loadScript(ptScript); If you said something smaller than that, thats where it can get tricky. Upstream Securitys Disruptive Telematics Technology, The challenges of scaling a cloud-based security system, OneStreams unified platform streamlines financial data management, OneStreams impact on the financial software market. Determining Your Boat Transom Angle The transom angle - commonly measured in degrees - is the transom's vertical inclination. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. It moves an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise. Then adjust the motor in a higher hole with a flat head screwdriver. I mean, who wants to purchase something as expensive as an outboard to only realize you bought the wrong one. So in hopes that this will help out some new boaters this spring, here's a little rundown on outboard shaft sizes and how to figure out which one you actually need. The pros and cons of properly . It also includes attaching the right engine. As a dealer I don't really like hearing this because there is a chance it could go either way and you have to get it right. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. your motor will be higher.) Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. Check out the full chart of the Mercury outboard model code and its features. Measure the area of the transom directly where the engine will be mounted. (3) Move horizontally across the chart until you hit the graph curve. Shaft lengths are available in increments of 5. <> The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". If you have a question or need additional information. Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. Hold the tape on the top, center of the taffrail and measure straight down to the point, usually a sharp angle, where the transom joins the bottom of the boat. This is also known as the shaft length. Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. The Best Way to Measure Prop to Pad | How to measure Outboard Motor Height The standard shaft length for most outboard engines less than 125 horsepower is 20 inches. Boat hulls are designed in three basic types that range from slow displacement and semi-displacement hulls to the fastest planing hulls. mpeInit(); This is simply a measurement taken from the top of the transom (top of What matters is the actual measurement in the specifications, not the name. All rights reserved. So if you are measuring the outboard shaft length for smaller boats, inflatables, dinghies, sailboat or other low-speed work boats, the cavitation plate is often about 2 below the bottom. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. logoColor: "original", Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing thebest boat engine. The transom is the boats flat vertical part at the back. This illustration depicts four different outboard mounting height options (courtesy Mercury Marine). Any owner seeking the last bit of speed from an outboard-powered boat should grab a yard stick. Is my outboard long or short shaft? Then finally test your outboard, if the mount is perfect. So you should just measure the height of the boats transom from the center down to the lowest point of the hull, and compare transom height with the outboard shaft length numbers. It will ensure that the outboards trim will be effective, and it will save you gas too. gtag('js', new Date()); Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The clamp bracket on the latest Mercury Four-Stoke-model outboards has five mounting bolt holes spaced .75 inches apart. So if you are measuring the outboard shaft length for the powerboat, planing boat, or any boat for which the speed is the priority, take the outboard shaft length 1 to 1.5 (depending on your boat types) shorter than standard would be better. debugMode: false, If your boat is newer and the manufacturer is still in business, you might also want to try to give them a call. When trimming your motor, they provide you a greater bow response. 1 0 obj If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. The boater must also consider if the boat transomsupport is designed to bear the weight of a higher mount. Once you know what will fit on your hull, you can fine-tune your choice based on the performance youre looking for and how you use the boat. According to MarinePartsMan.com, the outboard can be raised 1 inch above the standard height for every 10 miles per hour of speed the boat can attain. Then test the boat and adjust the height, if necessary . Outboard Motor Shaft Length: How do I measure? Recommended Engine Oil 2-Stroke Outboard Motor Oil. Adjusting the mounting height of an outboard on the boat transom can affect performance and every boat can be different, so actual on-water testing is best. Eq*^?6R83e+j}UY.(M7k]~4g)g ~wmS{ O7t/o(W|X? Some may call it a standard length while others may call it a short or a long shaft. x\[D~OUCO6[j](l%ay <8cylY{.L2s#]~U6A|Wj]-oo|mubqY6wbY_|!>Z8(RB:RHeTzOGO_=~t\ He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history. Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. Amazon has plate extensions to allow adjustments without buying a new motor: T-H Marine Jack Plate Extension. The motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. In the photo above, we've measured from the motor bracket to the top of The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. When you measure the width of the stern, mark the center with a grease pencil. Depending on the manufacturer, size names might change. minAmount: 300.0, Cutting the transom down is the only legal method to utilize a short shaft engine on a tall transom. The Effects of Standard, Lower and Higher Mounting. s.setAttribute("href", "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/css/pt-mpe.min.css"); Thats it. bassboat can be a bit confusing at times; hopefully this will help sort :$I>M W$h"%U_yzIb?]NHg_G|r@nX eTf."SQ Copyright 2017 Dealer Spike All Rights Reserved. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. Check the literature about your model boat online, and you may be surprised to find that the number is published for you. On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. It does not store any personal data. Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Propshaft in Since the length of the shaft of your outboard is associated with the size boat, smaller engines will generally have shorter shafts. Lubrication System Engine Oil Mixed Gasoline. ), Al Shields With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including, Why your boat transom needs to be the right height, The pros and cons of properly mounting the outboard motor to the transom, Standard mounting is always best for the beginner, Of course, its always best to go with standard practices when choosing the, Lower mounting is not for the beginning boater, Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom, There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. One of the factors in determining the height of the outboard is the placement of the exhaust port on the lower unit of the outboard engine. The how to measure the shaft length of an outboard motor is a question that many people have asked. Well, raising the outboard motor can be an easy task for you. The brackets can add 1 inch to the overall mounting height of the outboard. Check out some hot FAQs to help you get the proper outboard shaft lengths. Your email address will not be published. The height of the transom is estimated by using the center line to measure from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom. Take the center measurement from the top to the bottom of the hull. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. Finding the right size is a matter of looking at what youve got and taking out the measuring tape. Boat transom angles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. Youll need a short shaft outboard if its 15 or less than an inch shorter. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. #1: Height The dealer just hit you with the long or short shaft question and you have no clue as to what you need or even what he's talking about. var ptScript = "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/js/pt-mpe.min.js"; to where the brackets were actually resting on the transom. This email address is being protected from spambots. August 9/08). This could also effect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. Later in the article is an image that shows you exactly where to measure. For really big boats, the biggest and baddest six- or eight-cylinder outboards can have extra-extra long shafts up to 30 inches. Remanufactured 4 Cylinder 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Remanufactured 6 Cylinder 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Trim Relays, Trim Solenoids & Sending Units, Remanufactured V6 & V8 4-Stroke Cylinder Heads, Volvo Cobra SX Bearings and Bearing Carriers, Volvo Cobra SX Driveshaft, U-Joints & Parts, Volvo Cobra SX Transom Assembly & Bellows. Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. Top 10 Choices for Boaters, Mercury Introduces 600HP V12 Verado Outboard Engine, The Outboard Expert: Tohatsu Propane Outboard Engine. Some outboards have a serial number that tells you which shaft length to go for. Doing this can have adverse effects. s.setAttribute("rel", "stylesheet"); He is a A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. This measurement was approximately 4". since 1986. Proper Mounting Height for an Outboard - Gone Outdoors LOYALHEARTDY Outboard Motor 6 HP 2-Stroke Inflatable Fishing Boat This will ensure the best performance. Small portable outboards ranging from 2 to 20 horsepower are usually sold only in short or long shaft versions. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. storeDisplayName: "Marine Parts Warehouse", It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. Whether you already own a boat or looking for your first watercraft we are here to service your needs. If you have a fast boat, getting the outboards cavitation plate at the same level of the hull will ensure quick hole shot and fast top-end speeds. (Any measurement given as "off the transom" on How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length: The Only Guide You Need, ePropulsion vs Torqeedo: An All-Round Comparison, 55 lb Thrust Trolling Motors: All You Need to Know Before Purchase, Spot Lock Trolling Motor: Is It Worth It & Best Options in 2022, Wiring 24V Trolling Motors: 24 Volt Wiring Diagram (with Video), LiFePO4 Battery: Why Lithium iron Phosphate Batteries Are Your Best Options in 2022, Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Best Option in 2022. On most newer center consoles and offshoreboat transoms might include a rear door leading to a swim platform as well as a molded setback bracket. Measure straight down to the lowest point on the hull. 7. How high exactly do you have to raise the transom?- - Outboard Jets It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. } If youre looking for a bracket that can handle motors of up to 10/15 horsepower, go no further. How to Measure Transom Height For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. Since the ventilation plate & foil are burried under water it is obviously too low. As a dealer I run into this situation from time to time, which is fine but getting the right length outboard for your boat is crucial. For example, you can have the Mercury outboard shaft length by model code. As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. The transom is the flat vertical section at the rear of the boat. Measure from the top of the straight edge to the center of the front 7. If youd like to see this in video format, skip to 0:44 in the below YouTube Video: Is it OK to put a long shaft outboard on a boat thats rated for a short shaft? The transom is the rear wall of the boat where the outboard engine is mounted in the middle. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure Youtube page! When the right length motor is hung on the transom of a boat, the cavitation plate (the large plate that extends out over the propeller) should be even with the very bottom of the boat. Its still smart to measure it yourself though, just in case, the design changed over the years. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. The first order of business is to measure your boat for the ideal fit. Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. Mounting the motor lower on the boat transomcan createexcessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. s = d.createElement("link"); I live for the weekends when I can go out on the water and escape the stress of life on land. If it measures between 17 and 22, you'll want to go with a long shaft motor. if (PayTomorrow) { Although the longer outboard shaft length can lead to lower speed and more drag, the boat can push a heavier load. So how to determine the outboard shaft length? This will be the will be to the flat part; if you measure to the bottom of the brackets Actual shaft length is 21.5" on those. How-To: Pick A Great Portable Outboard Motor (2023 Guide) brackets. the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor var interval = setInterval(function () { You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. would be more accurate.) It doesnt matter if you have a fiberglass boat, bay boat, big or small boat. gtag('config', 'G-QX0Y76NH40'); Whether your on a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or speedboat boating is always one of the best times you can have. Now that you have a better understanding of boat transom heights its time to take out the ruler and get the perfect measurements. jackplate to a point level with the top of the transom. When measuring the transom height, you should start from the hull's bottom at the boat's center line up to the top of the transom. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. To achieve this, the motor itself has to be attached at the correct height. Make sure that you are measuring straight up, at a 90 degree angle to The boat transom can be flat with zero degree angles. How high exactly do you have to raise the transom?-. How to Measure Outboard Shaft Length: The Only Guide You Need Doing so, will put the propeller right below the boat. Basically, there are three main ways to measure motor %PDF-1.7 trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) You must be still in the blue about that matter. They keep water out of your prop and increase water pressure in the system. Over time, Boating Hub has grown into a resource for boating enthusiasts around world. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? MPW eBay Store - Thousands of New OEM Old Stock Parts! Add the two measurements and you get 6 1/2". Usually speaking, the farther the outboard is set off the transom, the higher the propeller should be in the water (or the higher the outboard can be mounted). disregard the downward pointing "hooks" at the front of the Your email address will not be published. Anything bigger than that your obviously going to need an extra long shaft. If you have a jackplate, you may have to get a bit creative in your })(); Typical motor lengths include the following. }, 100); center of the propshaft. The transom is the back of the boat where the motor is hung. I hope this helps someone out in their search for a new or newer outboard this season. <> What's the best height for my boat motor? Measure from there down to the top of the cavitation plate, also known as the anti-ventilation plate. Having the cavitation plate a bit lower than the transom is preferable to having it too high. All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. Where Onboard a Boat is the Transom Located and More About Transom Heights A propeller operates based on the height of the transom. The form of a boats transom varies depending on the manufacturer and model. The first step is to determine the height of your boat's transom. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. Thats a fairly simple list of symptoms, but if your motor is too low, youll probably notice at least one of them. Other boats that need short shafts are: A: If you have a small boat with a 18 to 21 inch aft transom, youll most likely need a long shaft outboard. Sluggish speeds, poor handling, heavy spray, porpoising, or even water pushing up into the cowling are all signs that an outboard is set too low. C Cheaptoon Cadet Joined Aug 4, 2010 Messages 28 Aug 24, 2010 #4 Re: Motor height on pontoon? The anti-cavitation plate above the prop needs to be within an inch of the bottom of the transom, therefore, the prop should be well below the transom. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat.
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