Why Rebounding Is A Key Skill for Fouth Players To Learn, Tips For Attacking a Zone Defense as a Youth Basketball Team, Why This is a Big Deal for the Sports Betting Industry. Each one has a totally different effect on the boats performance. Boat transom angles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. Chances are the boat was designed with a specific size of outboard in mind. You run the risk of possibly unsafe handling if you attempt to put a long shaft engine on a transom designed for a short shaft engine. For really big boats, the biggest and baddest six- or eight-cylinder outboards can have extra-extra long shafts up to 30 inches. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. This exhaust port should be about 1 inch above the water line when the boat is idling. This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. Boats with more engine power and weight require longer shaft outboards for better balance. In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transom's height. Place the point of a yardstick at the middle of the top of the boat transom. Place the bracket on the transom to the left of the main outboard or rudder. This was the height of my 225 Yamaha on my TR21 Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. publicId: "32bf3437d1346295e03ebcf545f9c839", With the long side (22 1/2), place a carpenters square ) in opposition to the keel. ensure that your measurement is accurate. You The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. }, 100); Pad to bottom of window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; Or it can have an angle degree as high as 30. Height Measurement: Recommended Shaft Length: 14" - 17.25" 15" Shaft (Short) 17.25" - 19.5" Varies by application 19.5" - 22.5" If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), Raising an outboard higher on the transom can reduce drag and raise top speed. Here we will guide you in how to get the right boat transom height. Assistant Measuring tape Grease pencil Ask a friend to hold one end of a measuring tape at the extreme outer edge of the top of the transom while you pull the tape across its width to the opposite outer edge to measure the "length of the taffrail," which is the width of the boat across the top edge of the stern. Workboats, sailboats, and displacement-hulled boats fall into this category. Gear case sits just below or at the hull depth due to the deep v. The most common percent angle is probably 12, however spec sheets for O/B and I/O boats may show 10 percent, 12 percent, and 14 degrees. Raising the motor increases the speed of the boat while decreasing the effort needed to turn the boat. The current measurement is the ventilation plate is about 1 1/2" above the true keel line which is about 24" in front of the motor edge. Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. var addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@'; |. The lowest point will likely be directly under your drain plug if youve got one. The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. Follow Westshore Marine & Leisure on Wordpress! boats.com, 1221 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, USA. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? s.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript"); stream } var ptScript = "https://cdn.paytomorrow.com/js/pt-mpe.min.js"; Most of the time, adding a hydrofoil to an outboard improves performance. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. The transom in a boat today is a place to hang your outboard motor. This is the dimension you'll need to know when deciding between a short shaft, long shaft or extra long shaft for your outboard motor. If you are running a twin-engine setup, then measure the same distance from each clamping plate to the bottom of the hull. 3 0 obj parallel with the straight edge. If you are looking to repower, they may be able to offer some sage advice. You will also risk hitting bottom or submerge objects more frequently such as rocks or logs. https:/. With the motor trimmed so that the propshaft is parallel to the keel, the anti-ventilation plate should be just about even with your straight edge, and thus even with the boat bottom at the keel. You can find your Mercury outboard model code on an ID plate or sticker. To do so, you will want to measure at the exact center of the transom from the very top to the very bottom. The distance between the ends of a transom is measured in inches. I hope this helps someone out in their search for a new or newer outboard this season. 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. 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. If your boats transom height is 15-16, a short shaft engine is required, and if it is 20-21, a long shaft engine is required. Finding the right size is a matter of looking at what youve got and taking out the measuring tape. A deep Vee hull will result in a different measurement than a flatter . This is probably the worst case scenario out of the two. (updated Some may call it a standard length while others may call it a short or a long shaft. What's the best height for my boat motor? How to Measure Transom Height For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. This is simply a measurement taken from the top of the transom (top of Shaft lengths are available in increments of 5. #1: Height The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 2019s List of the Best Recreational Pontoon Boats for Sale. I show you how to consistently measure your prop to pad height. A: The answer varies by boat, but here are some rules of thumb for matching a short shaft outboard to your boat. Not to measure boat speed, but to gauge the mounting height of the outboard motor on the boat transom. jackplate to a point level with the top of the transom. You reply, "Im not sure, I think its a long". The engine may be lifted one inch for every eight to ten inches of distance between the transom and the prop, according to a boat riggers rule of thumb. If you decide to make adjustments, please consult a marine engine dealer about the boatdesign. What the relationship to the pontoons is, I couldn't say. var addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@' + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML += ''+addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5+'<\/a>'; In the second photo, we've measure down from the top of the Detwiler the propshaft below or above the pad. Mounting the motor lower on the boat transom can create excessive spray, increase case drag, reduce underwater clearance, and negatively impact faster boats. How high exactly do you have to raise the transom?-. With such an important, long-term, and expensive upgrade, its never a bad idea to double-check. Beginning boaters should be aware of the boats measurements. (Putting a Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. Again, make sure that you are measuring to the flat part of the brackets; This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. Recommended Engine Oil 2-Stroke Outboard Motor Oil. 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. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30. 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. A hydrofoil will typically level off the ride by driving the stern up and the bow down, and will stop or considerably minimize porposing on a 16 footer with a mid-sized outboard and no tabs, for example. Later in the article is an image that shows you exactly where to measure. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Industry transom height standards have been evolved during the last 30 years: 15 for short shaft engines, 20 for long shaft engines, and 25 for extra-long shaft engines. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The mounting height of the outboard engine is the equivalent of the distance between the base of the motor and the top of the propeller. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If you have a question or need additional information,contact ustoday. Small motors built for sailboats might come in a unique configuration with an extremely long shaft since these are mounted higher off the water. If you have a question or need additional information. Required fields are marked *. Safely but briskly accelerate. With a motor tote, the outboard and boat move as one, independently of the trailer, so there are no concerns about the boat shifting on the trailer, he says. Measure from there down to the top of the cavitation plate, also known as the anti-ventilation plate. Brackets are also handy for boats that do not have flat transoms, like canoe-stern sailboats or fan-tailed motor vessels. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. You'll need a short shaft outboard if it's 15 or less than an inch shorter. It also decreases the boats lift and increases the time it takes for the boat to reach plane. Take a long straight edge, (long carpenter's level or long The standard installation of an outboard has the top of the transom of the boat at the same level as the bottom of the motor portion of the outboard. Then, you can pick the right engine. Keith Allen, a 1979 graduate of Valley City State College, has worked at a variety of jobs including computer operator, medical clinic manager, radio talk show host and potato sorter. See diagram below. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. I live for the weekends when I can go out on the water and escape the stress of life on land. And the rule of thumb is that you should keep the cavitation plate level with the bottom or keel of the boat. (We wont go into name-calling here, but the actual term for the cavitation plate is an anti-ventilation plate.) If it measures 15" or with in a inch of that you will need a short shaft outboard. This is handy if youre shopping for second-hand outboards or looking to sell the one that came with your boat. Its important to note that manufacturers call their models different things. Lastly, knowing the year of your motor and what style of controls you have (side mount, concealed side mount, or binnacle) is also a plus because it will tell the dealer if your current controls are compatible with the motor you are purchasing. See When St. Peters Basketball Games Are Today! Then finally test your outboard, if the mount is perfect. Happy boating! This measurement is primarily designed for single motor propulsion. (616) 364-0666, On all contiguous US part orders over $100. If so, send me an https://www.bornagainboating.com/Get Your Born Again Boating Clothing! former editor at Boating Magazine and contributor to many national publications h[0].appendChild(s); These allow the mounting of a standard length outboard behind the transom. However, the motor should not be raised more than 5 inches above the standard position. With it comes a lot of responsibility and new things to learn including boat maintenance and boat basics. Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. Plus, a low transom cut is an invitation for the water to flood the boat. At least if its too long you can raise the motor or "build up" your transom. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. Your at your local outboard dealer shopping for a new motor and the salesman hits you with the question, "short or long shaft?". It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. Beyond motorboats designed for large outboards, you will see outboards hanging on the sterns of everything from small canoes to large cruising sailboats. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by, If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have the. the aluminum plate on top of the transom), to the bottom of the motor ), Al Shields There are a series of four to six holes at the top of the bracket, and the lower bolts actually fit into slots. var BCData = {"csrf_token":"d7ecb6b56891bb66aee12dbc01a80162b3ed582c1acbe30f16fc9f1b2abc362f"}; mpeSelector: ".pt-mpe", Ask a friend to hold one end of a measuring tape at the extreme outer edge of the top of the transom while you pull the tape across its width to the opposite outer edge to measure the "length of the taffrail," which is the width of the boat across the top edge of the stern. A big NO. Wherever the outboard clamping bracket is, use this as the basis for measurement. All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. Measure straight down to the lowest point on the hull. This email address is being protected from spambots. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. 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. Doing this can have adverse effects. You must be still in the blue about that matter. want to measure from the transom to the flat part of this bracket, If possible for your peace of mind and not let down that magnificent purchase opportunity, place that 08 kicker at back transom and test for yourself. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. 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. How to Buy a Boat: Tips for a First Time Buyer, Top 10 New Fishing Boats for Under $20,000, What Type is Right for You? As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. One of the main concerns is causing the engine to overheat if not enough water reaches the engine to keep it cool. There are instances where a lower mount may be okay. The propellers will also have trouble reaching the water. 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). Safely but briskly accelerate. You also might not be able to lift the outboard out of the water entirely for storage. However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. Typical motor lengths include the following. Then adjust the motor in a higher hole with a flat head screwdriver. The boat transom can be flat with zero degree angles. It moves an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise. I believe 20 to 21 inches is the optimum length for a lengthy shaft. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. What Kind of Fuel Does Your Marine Engine Need? Say the 20 shaft is a long shaft length for gas engines, but it is a short shaft length for electric outboard motors. The same is true for the newest, high-powered offshore fishing boats, where triple or quadruple motor setups are becoming more and more common. To measure your outboard motor shaft length, measure from the bottom of the mounting bracket where it rests on the transom to the top of the cavitation plate, this is the horizontal surface of the lower unit immediately above the propeller. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. Setting Height of Outboard Motor - YouTube 0:00 / 0:46 Setting Height of Outboard Motor nates90 71 subscribers Subscribe 83 Share 63K views 7 years ago #boatservice #outboardmotor. Tilt your motor until the bullet of the gearcase is You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. This will ensure the best performance. your motor will be higher.) The center is the point where your outboard motor is (ideally) located. Boats that use longer outboard shafts include: These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. from the transom. How can you figure out what your transom angle is? Basically, there are three main ways to measure motor resting on the transom if you had the motor all the way down on the boat A reversetransom that sits too high can impact the propellers of the motor and motor bracket. Some boats are equipped with transom-hung outboards while others have a bracket. 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 average transom angle is around 14 degrees. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. trimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. *The Factors indicates the adjustment affected by on your boat type, the outboard working environment, and the transom distance as discussed above. <> The transom angle is the vertical incline of the transom and is measured in degrees. The pressure behind your hand dropped as you slid your hand back and forth through the water. When you measure the width of the stern, mark the center with a grease pencil. In step 3, add another 10 cm (4") to the previous calculation in order to develop the ideal shaft length. Ill also explain the difference between short and long shafts and how they vary by type of boat. The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. Small portable outboards ranging from 2 to 20 horsepower are usually sold only in short or long shaft versions. 5/rC,aQhsK@Q. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. to where the brackets were actually resting on the transom. Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. endobj Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. not sure that it's still used. Your email address will not be published. Step 4. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. It will ensure that the outboards trim will be effective, and it will save you gas too. Most of the standard engined boats it takes shafts that are 15-30inches long. This is somewhat similar to #2, in that you are again measuring with a measuring; you may have to "extend" the flat part of the } Among them will be first-timers or those who have recently purchased their boats. This transom saver will support the weight of your outboard throughout your road travel, steadily bracing it against the trailer frame to relieve your transom of the weight and impact from consistent bouncing. Knowing the width, height and depth of your transom allows you to make several important decisions when selecting or purchasing a new outboard. Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. As summer approaches there will be more boaters taking to the water. The shaft length for outboard motors has nothing to do with the water line. How do you measure a transom on an outboard motor? Outboard motors can be fitted to a variety of boats, so manufacturers have standardized their engines to go on virtually anything. clearInterval(interval); Copyright 2017 Dealer Spike All Rights Reserved. If it measures between 17 and 22, you'll want to go with a long shaft motor. Eq*^?6R83e+j}UY.(M7k]~4g)g ~wmS{ O7t/o(W|X? Place the rulers end on the ground behind the club and let the club to rest on top of it. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; 1855 Alpine Avenue NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504This email address is being protected from spambots. Smaller 12-14 foot boats can require either a short or long shaft outboard depending on the style of the boat and the brand. What are Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and Channels? A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. 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. bracket forward with a straight edge to where you can then measure up On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. Boat hulls are designed in three basic types that range from slow displacement and semi-displacement hulls to the fastest planing hulls. Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; 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. Any owner seeking the last bit of speed from an outboard-powered boat should grab a yard stick. 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. When it gets to the short side (14), When the inner corner of the square comes into touch with the transom, measure the distance between the inside corner of the square and the boat bottom (see drawing below). Keep these numbers in mind if you ever have a need for a new outboard motor for your boat. 12 Small Fishing Boat Accessories to Buy Today. Most transom savers can support up to a 150HP motor, which is sufficient for most regular boats. 4 0 obj Pretty easy to figure out but like I said its crucial to pairing a motor with a boat. This measurement was approximately 4". We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The motor length corresponds to the transom height of the boat, measured from the keel to gunwale at the transom. What is Transom Height? Although the longer outboard shaft length can lead to lower speed and more drag, the boat can push a heavier load. All you need to do is measure how much to rise. With the outboard shaft length too long, meaning the prop is too deep in the water, the engine wont be as efficient, and the fuel burn is high. The brackets can add 1 inch to the overall mounting height of the outboard. However, with the outboard shaft length too short, meaning the prop is too close to the surface, the engine is likely to ventilate and therefore slip on acceleration or lose power. I mean it is better to be safe than sorry, am I right? Mounting the outboard a little bit lower than the standard point could avoid the possible ventilation and slip on acceleration. With a jack plate, you can mount it exactly where you want it. Doing this can have adverse effects. It also includes attaching the right engine. | Sitemap, The Marine Parts Warehouse Outboard Museum, OBR Powerhead / Shortblock Warranty Claim Form, Remanufactured vs. The Effects of Standard, Lower and Higher Mounting. relation to pad August 9/08). Actual shaft length is 21.5" on those. Smaller boats may use adjustable jack plates that can be changed to fit any outboard. As mentioned above, the operation of the propeller relies on the transom height. The clamp bracket on the latest Mercury Four-Stoke-model outboards has five mounting bolt holes spaced .75 inches apart. 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. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. I mean, who wants to purchase something as expensive as an outboard to only realize you bought the wrong one. #2. Here we look at the effects of standard, lower and higher mounting. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. Industry standards dictate that for short shaft engines the transom height should be 15. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. Its still smart to measure it yourself though, just in case, the design changed over the years. The rearmost structural member of your boat, it not only distributes the stress of the hull generated by the bow's impact as it cleaves the water, it's the place you hang your outboard motor. If you have a jackplate, you may have to get a bit creative in your If we run into that scenario, I would still show you the different options of motors and go over pricing, but I would also ask you to hold off and do one thing before you pull the trigger. Should I take the raft onto the water and measure the exact distance from the top of the transom to the water line? This is a measurement that has been used for BassCats, I'm A2: Instead of changing to the short outboard shaft, you can try the Jack Plate first. However, you will need an understanding of how the degrees will alter the boats usability.
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