Outboard Bracket Question . . .

[Nateman]

So this appears to me to be a bad way of mounting an outboard bracket.

Yea or Nay?

I was thinking this is impossible to seal and will only cause leaking, am I wrong? I would like to mount it without the rubber pad, what say you guys? Of course i'd use some 4200 as a sealer and also make sure there is substantial backing as well...

[Kettlewell]

What's wrong with it? I like the idea of the rubber for some vibration protection, if it is quite stiff and weather resistant. Just be sure it has very heavy backing plates and the transom structure itself is up to the task--not always the case. People disagree, but I have found marine silicone is the best sealant for many things like this where you want to be able to remove it and you want absolutely no leakage. When I took some of the thru hulls off my Finnish built boat after 30 years the green silicone they used to seal them was perfect--flexible and strong. But, 4200 is good stuff too.

[SkiprJohn]

I too like the vibration damper. If it doesn't leak then don't fix it.
kind regards,

[HopCar]

I don't think the rubber would stop much vibration. The carriage bolts will transmit the vibrations to the backing plate then to the hull. Vibration isn't much of an issue anyway with a modern outboard, especially a four stroke. I think the rubber is ugly and would take it off my boat. They are not normally mounted on a rubber gasket.

[Wotname]

Take it off and let us all know how it works out.

[HopCar]

It appears to be a Garelick motor bracket. Here is a link to the mounting instructions: http://www.garelick.com/files/12.109.pdf

[GordMay]

Per the Garelick instructions (No isolation pad):

“... It is recommended that a backing plate be made and mounted on the inside of the transom for needed rigidity. Attach your motor bracket to the transom by coating the inside surfaces of the mounting flanges and backing plate with a marine adhesive/sealant compound and then squeeze a small amount into each bolt hole on both sides of the transom. Secure the bracket to the transom as illustrated. The bracket is now ready for motor mounting ...”

Here ➥ http://www.garelick.com/files/12.185.pdf

[Nateman]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback. What you see is the handywork from a previous owner. It didn't make much sense to me to have the rubber there. I understand the theory, but don't think it helped much. Plus it looks horrible!

I have a 6hp Johnson 2 stroke that i'll be using. It's fairly light, I can't see it being a problem. But I plan on beefing up the backing once I get down there and see what the previous owners have done before me. Could be interesting...

[zopi]

Mounted mine on a pad of uhmw plastic thru bolted to stern...

[redcobra]

Originally Posted by Nateman

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback. What you see is the handywork from a previous owner. It didn't make much sense to me to have the rubber there. I understand the theory, but don't think it helped much. Plus it looks horrible!

Can you see it while you are sailing the boat? If not, who cares?
If it works, leave it alone.

[Nateman]

Originally Posted by redcobra

Can you see it while you are sailing the boat? If not, who cares?
If it works, leave it alone.

Not sure if it works or not, i've yet to splash the boat. I've been re-coring all the rotted balsa because of backyard engineering like this!

[Nateman]

So getting closer to sorting out my outboard bracket. Do you think i'll need a shaft extension for my outboard?

[DeepFrz]

Oh yeah. And, bye the way, watch out for steep waves when you have the motor down. Don't ask how I know...

[Nateman]

So the power head is too close eh? Yah I figured... LOL Guess i'm out another $300...