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. The transom is the flat vertical section at the rear of the boat. My family and I used it to fish, ski (yes, you can ski behind a pontoon boat), and cruise the lakes near our home. There would be more accurate.) When trimming your motor, they provide you a greater bow response. This is also known as the shaft length. Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Take the center measurement from the top to the bottom of the hull. enableMoreInfoLink: true, This measurement is primarily designed for single motor propulsion. 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. This alone can outweigh the negatives when deciding to adjust the mount upwards. Boats that use longer outboard shafts include: Before we get started lets see what a boat transom is and what it does. } We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For boats equipped with a bracket, calculate the same measurement but based on the bracket and not the transom. Tightening Torque for Engine. Because of the increased friction, cavitation reduces efficiency. I show you how to consistently measure your prop to pad height. Happy boating! 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? Other boats that need long shafts are. No matter what size of boat you are running, one of the most critical choices you can make when buying an outboard motor is the shaft length. What Kind of Fuel Does Your Marine Engine Need? 12 Small Fishing Boat Accessories to Buy Today. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This is somewhat similar to #2, in that you are again measuring with a Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. So its easier and safer to communicate with the dealer with the exact measurement of outboard shaft length in order to get the right model. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. High powered boats usually only come in long and extra-long variants. addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com'; Rebuilt - What You Need to Know, Lower Unit and Sterndrive Break-In Instructions. To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. Add yours in the comment and Ill get back to you asap. And thats usually the case since the electric outboards are designed with larger and more efficient propeller that needs longer shaft. 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. from the transom. All things considered, sticking with the industry standard is best for the beginner. boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. This is simply a measurement taken from the top of the transom (top of })(); Higher mounting decisions should be left to the professionals. *The Factors indicates the adjustment affected by on your boat type, the outboard working environment, and the transom distance as discussed above. Safely but briskly accelerate. Where Onboard a Boat is the Transom Located and More About Transom Heights A propeller operates based on the height of the transom. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} The transom is the flat vertical section at the rear of the boat. Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. ), and place it on the bottom of the pad in the center. To achieve this, the motor itself has to be attached at the correct height. However, your boat will have slightly more drag which will reduce your maximum speed. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed by, If you decide to make some custom adjustments we have the. clearInterval(interval); displayPrimeOffers: true, Any owner seeking the last bit of speed from an outboard-powered boat should grab a yard stick. Actually there is no designated letter for short shaft. No one wants to have issues with a new transom or boat repairs. The clamp bracket is designed so that the engine's mounting height on the transom can be adjusted higher than standard. Shaft lengths are available in increments of 5. On this type of boat, if you are in doubt, default to the longer-shafted outboard. The pros and cons of properly . Next, measure from your centerline to where the outboard will be mounted on each side. Buying a boat can be an exciting purchase. As a yacht designer and boater, I prefer longer shafts. Picking the right shaft length is mostly a factor of the transom height or the back of the boat. All rights reserved. There are 2 steps to help get a relatively accurate figure. storeDisplayName: "Marine Parts Warehouse", He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history. 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. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. 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. Wherever the outboard clamping bracket is, use this as the basis for measurement. The distance between the ends of a transom is measured in inches. #2. A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. Learn More About Your Boats Systems By Joining The Born Again Boating Academy! Whether your on a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or speedboat boating is always one of the best times you can have. Outboard shaft length plays a crucial role in the performance of your boat. A yardstick will help you determine if your outboard engine is at the right height. In extremes, the engine can have overheating problems if the boat is raised to a point where the water inlets for the cooling system are out of the water. If you have a question or need additional information. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. For over five years he has worked as a newspaper reporter and historic researcher. var addyd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@'; 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. A long shaft engine requires a height of 20 and extra-long shaft engines will need a transom height of 25. MarinePartsMan.com also says that V6 bass-boat engines have a 20-inch shaft. 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. parallel with the straight edge. If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. One of the main concerns is causing the engine to overheat if not enough water reaches the engine to keep it cool. Engine Oil Type Genuine or Recommended 2str Engine Oil. The outboard shaft length is the vertical distance between the top of the mounting clamp bracket and the bottom of the cavitation plate (aka the ventilation plate). This was the height of my 225 Yamaha on my TR21 If you have an outboard motor, the distance from one end to another will be found on the side or on a label near its bottom. Chances are the boat was designed with a specific size of outboard in mind. This is a measurement that has been used for BassCats, I'm Small portable outboards ranging from 2 to 20 horsepower are usually sold only in short or long shaft versions. 2019s List of the Best Recreational Pontoon Boats for Sale. It is extremely important that the boater understands the significance of the transoms height. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. (Putting a For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get. It also cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. 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. They keep water out of your prop and increase water pressure in the system. Small motors built for sailboats might come in a unique configuration with an extremely long shaft since these are mounted higher off the water. Beefier jack plates can be fitted should a boater be looking to mount an outboard with a shorter shaft than their transom demands. You can find your Mercury outboard model code on an ID plate or sticker. Bass boats, ski boats, or center cockpit vessels will want to double-check their measurements to get it just right. Step 4. How Transom Height Is Measured Here we will guide you in how to get the right boat transom height. The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. With more than a decade of experience cruising the lakes in my Crestliner Grand Cayman pontoon boat and my Boston Whaler, I now want to share everything I've learned with my community here at Boating Hub. You can order an outboard in lengths ranging from 15 inches to 30 inches, depending on its power output and possible uses. Re: Dinghy with a long shaft motor? 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. The greater the number, the more the drive may sway (also called tuck under or negative trim). You reply, "Im not sure, I think its a long". Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. If so, send me an Knowing how this can affect the overall operation of the boat is a factor to be considered. Place the bracket on the transom to the left of the main outboard or rudder. They operate as a planing surface, allowing your boat to climb to the top more quickly. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. For really big boats, the biggest and baddest six- or eight-cylinder outboards can have extra-extra long shafts up to 30 inches. A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. August 9/08). Required fields are marked *. If you went too long it would still work but it may lack in performance. There is a simple test to see if your outboard motor is set at the best height. However, there may be times when a boater strays away from these recommendations. if (PayTomorrow) { Then test the boat and adjust the height, if necessary . This will be the However, the shaft length for smaller boats could be long or short depending on its style, speed requirement, etc. will be to the flat part; if you measure to the bottom of the brackets This is probably the worst case scenario out of the two. How the outboard will sit on the back of the boat depends on how the transom is designed. This is the dimension you'll need when selecting a width for your outboard motor's mounting bracket. Trimming in, trimming down, and trimming out are all terms that a beginning boater should learn. Offshore vessels are often equipped with a large mounting bracket so that the transom can be left at full height. Some may call it a standard length while others may call it a short or a long shaft. On the downside, a higher mount can interfere with the boaters steering capabilities. As a result, the issue is whether my boat need a short shaft or long shaft motor. I mean, who wants to purchase something as expensive as an outboard to only realize you bought the wrong one. 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. Engine Oil Mixing Ratio Fuel 50: Engine Oil 1. With such an important, long-term, and expensive upgrade, its never a bad idea to double-check. Commonly, the transom angle ranges from 0-30 degrees, with the average transom angle set at 14 degrees. If you said you have a pontoon or a larger style boat such as a bass boat or speed boat, I would be pretty confident in saying it needs a long shaft. Gear Oil Quantity 195ml(6.6 Fl.oz.) In lower mounting, the engine is set lower than the recommended standard. Why wont Touch ID be under the screen in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16? Step 2 requires the propeller's radius (check the user manual and then the technical drawing). An inch or two probably wont make a big difference, but any more than that will lead to trouble. Depending on the manufacturer, size names might change. The form of a boats transom varies depending on the manufacturer and model. The transom in a boat today is a place to hang your outboard motor. In step 3, add another 10 cm (4") to the previous calculation in order to develop the ideal shaft length. I would also recommend finding your maximum horsepower rating which is located on the yellow coast guard tag towards the back of your boat. The prop will be in cleaner, harder water as it advances farther aft, making it more efficient. Among them will be first-timers or those who have recently purchased their boats. Two years ago, I bought a Boston Whaler to fish off the coast. The height is approximately six inches higher than with a propeller. The clamp bracket on the latest Mercury Four-Stoke-model outboards has five mounting bolt holes spaced .75 inches apart. For slower boats, its less critical to. Triton. You may wonder how deep your prop should be in the water. If your boat planes, pay extra attention to getting the shaft length as close to perfect as possible. This could also effect your travelling capabilities on the boat trailer. Increased RPM and additional horsepower feed the need for speed. At least if its too long you can raise the motor or "build up" your transom. hulls, such as Allisons, Bullets, Strokers, etc., this measurement could For vee-shaped hulls, the lowest spot of the hull will come to point, while on flat-bottomed boats it will be more or less level. Many boat transoms are modified to use a different length of outboard by using a bracket. Over time, Boating Hub has grown into a resource for boating enthusiasts around world. 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. | Sitemap, The Marine Parts Warehouse Outboard Museum, OBR Powerhead / Shortblock Warranty Claim Form, Remanufactured vs. The outboard comes with mounting holes and brackets. The motor is what powers the boat so the two go hand-in-hand. The average transom angle is around 14 degrees. As with anything, there are exceptions to the rule. A1: Broadly speaking, the outboard motor shaft length for pontoon boat, bass boat, or other larger boats should be long shaft. Allowing the propeller to pull water from underneath and push it out behind the boat. You dont have to be a mathematician to determine the correct boat transom angle. 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. The collapsing bubbles are loaded with extremely low-pressure water vapor, which causes damage to a variety of surfaces as they collapse. "brackets". If it measures between 17 and 22, youll want to go with a long shaft motor. var h = d.getElementsByTagName("head"), Boat transomangles play a pivotal role in the flexibility of the boats trimming abilities. In the case of a dinghy or johnboat, this point may be the top of the transom. When the boattransom is too low, the motor could end up underwater. 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. Some fishing boats can handle the motor being underwater. motor brackets Check out the full chart of the Mercury outboard model code and its features. Having the cavitation plate a bit lower than the transom is preferable to having it too high. s.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript"); To do so, take a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of the transom in the precise center. bracket forward with a straight edge to where you can then measure up Boats with extended transoms, brackets that extend the mounting bracket for the outboard motor behind the back of the boat, can use a higher outboard height. If you are looking to repower, they may be able to offer some sage advice. Many single-engine boats mount a smaller auxiliary motor for emergency use. The lowest point will likely be directly under your drain plug if youve got one. Attention: Remember to measure the outboard shaft length straight up and down instead of measuring along the transom. Repowering your boat is one of the most expensive upgrades you can make. Simply start with the engine in idle, followed bytrimming the motor out by one-half to full trim. While this is the case there is certain saltwater motors that are extra extra long at 30. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A: The short answer is Yes. With a jack plate, you can mount it exactly where you want it. boats.com, 1221 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, USA. One of the main concerns is causing the engine to overheat if not enough water reaches the engine to keep it cool. Not to measure boat speed, but to gauge the mounting height of the outboard motor on the boat transom. center of the propshaft. Using your existing control box and gauges will save you quite a bit of money in the end. https://www.bornagainboating.com/Get Your Born Again Boating Clothing! 5/rC,aQhsK@Q. It also includes attaching the right engine. It can also improve the experience of driving a faster boat. h[0].appendChild(s); The height of the boat transom dictates the size of the outboard motor. These are vertically aligned so the boater can make adjustments. Theyre also useful if the back of your boat has a non-standard measurement. A deep Vee hull will result in a different measurement than a flatter . Its where the outboard motor is attached, and its also where some boat owners put the boats name. To achieve 35 mph with a 6 hp engine, the total weight is 135 lbs (boat motor fuel passengers). (In the case of the faster This number will likely be shorter than that for a single-engine installation since you do not necessarily measure to the point of the keel. Follow Westshore Marine & Leisure on Twitter! If you decide to make adjustments, please consult a marine engine dealer about the boat design. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. An outboard motor can drive just about any sort of boat with proper mounting. If youre going the other way around and trying to figure out how long the shaft on your outboard is, measuring it is equally easy. What types of boat need an extra long shaft? Check out the Westshore Marine & Leisure Youtube page! The point where these measurements intersect is your centerline. 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. priceSelector: ".price--withoutTax, span.price.price--withTax", If the height of the boat transom is off it can cause major issues. Measure from the top of the straight edge to the center of the front e-mail The center is the point where your outboard motor is (ideally) located. Cavitation is when the propeller is out of the water due to the boat forming a wake of "air bubbles" or "vapor cavities" around the prop. to where the brackets were actually resting on the transom. 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. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull. Problems with getting the ventilation plate too low include slower hole-shot and lower top-end speeds. I would ask you to go back and measure the transom of your boat. Safely but briskly accelerate. Youll also want to pay attention when youre in shallow water because your prop will be lower than normal. It is where the outboard is mounted, and some boat owners place the name of the boat. Here we look at the effects of standard, lower and higher mounting. MPW eBay Store - Thousands of New OEM Old Stock Parts! Place the point of a yardstick at the middle of the top of the boat transom. up to the bottom of the motor brackets, (as in #1). Raising an outboard higher on the transom can reduce drag and raise top speed. Plus, a low transom cut is an invitation for the water to flood the boat. 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. Mounting the outboard motor in accordance with the industry standards is important. Take your time and understand your boat and your entire transom. s = d.createElement("link"); Mounting the outboard a little bit lower than the standard point could avoid the possible ventilation and slip on acceleration. You'll need a short shaft outboard if it's 15 or less than an inch shorter. You will also risk hitting bottom or submerge objects more frequently such as rocks or logs. ensure that your measurement is accurate. 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. Charles Plueddeman is Boats.com's outboard, trailer, and PWC expert. 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. Say the 20 shaft is a long shaft length for gas engines, but it is a short shaft length for electric outboard motors. The mounting height of an outboard motor can impact the speed and handling characteristics of the boat. Actual shaft length is 21.5" on those. Boaters who consider going with a higher mount can see increased speeds. Here is a picture that shows you exactly where the outboard motor shaft length stands: Usually the shaft length for outboard motors falls into the following 4 sizes: In practice, you may find the outboard motor shaft length varies among different brands and manufacturers like the Honda,Suzuki, Yamaha, Torqeedo, etc. In the past, though, it housed the officers and captain of 17th, 18th and 19th century sailing ships. But in many cases, its a little more complicated than that alone. function loadScript(script) { A: The answer varies by boat, but here are some rules of thumb for matching a short shaft outboard to your boat. straight edge on the top of the transom to "extend" it out Pretty easy to figure out but like I said its crucial to pairing a motor with a boat. It is possible that the motor could hang low while transporting on the boat trailer causing future boat repairs. 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. Most of the time, adding a hydrofoil to an outboard improves performance. It will ensure that the outboards trim will be effective, and it will save you gas too. AztH ^zv_ cT,E1K/rAB54| Generally, the anti-ventilation plate on most engines is aligned with the bottom of the vessel. var addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5 = 'info' + '@' + 'vanssports' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5').innerHTML += ''+addy_textd53b59933f6c3f2e8b59f1b4a6d41fa5+'<\/a>'; This is measured by the propeller shaft being parallel to the vessels bottom. This will keep the prop in the water when the boat pitches in waves, or hobby-horses. His works have appeared in regional newspapers in North Dakota and in "North Dakota Horizons" and "Cowboys and Indians" magazines. gtag('js', new Date()); 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. 2 0 obj (updated a Detwiler manual jackplate. How to Measure Transom Height For vessels with transom-mounted outboards, you can easily figure out which type of outboard you need to get.
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