Auxiliary Outboard tilt mechanism damage

[tinker]

Spent last week around the Milford Haven area with my new mariner 2 stroke 2.5 hp auxiliary outboard on the transom. After a few runs noticed damage to the tilt mechanism caused by the bouncing around, which is hardly surprising considering how light weight the mechanism is.
Has anyone else experienced this problem? What solutions if any are available?

[BruceB]

This happens on most small motors if not strapped down on a RIB. Put a ratchet strap around the motor and tighten it to stop the motor bouncing. The shock loadings of the motor coming off the clip and back down are what breaks things. It has been known for the pivot bolt to break and the whole motor to go AWOL so you have been fairly lucky!

[Locozodiac]

Originally Posted by tinker

Spent last week around the Milford Haven area with my new mariner 2 stroke 2.5 hp auxiliary outboard on the transom. After a few runs noticed damage to the tilt mechanism caused by the bouncing around, which is hardly surprising considering how light weight the mechanism is.
Has anyone else experienced this problem? What solutions if any are available?

Change spoiled parts and strap as Bruce advises...

[tinker]

Figured thats the way it would end up or rather down... Thanks for the advice will get down to "Sound as a Pound" and invest in some ratchet straps.

[Limey Linda]

Originally Posted by tinker

Figured thats the way it would end up or rather down... Thanks for the advice will get down to "Sound as a Pound" and invest in some ratchet straps.

I find that a heavy duty bungy connected to a loop of rope on one end and a small pulley on the other works well. Loop the rope onto the aux. leg and run a short rope through the pulley to a fixed point and the other end to a tie off point. Mine is a small cleat. Easy to take on and off. I also do not use the latch but a piece of wood through the engine mount. Piece of wood has a hole in one end with a lanyard so it does not get lost.

[spartacus]

Have exactly the same problem. I was so worried when I was out in a F4/5 the other week, that I roped off the auxilliary, fearing similar damage. Still to work out which will be better - using a pulley system, or a short ratchet strap to maintain sufficient tension.

Ideally I'd have the auxilliary onboard fixed to a custom mount, but as space is at a premium, it has to be mounted on a transom bracket. The auxilliary tilt-bolt is poor, but given it can be used as the main engine on a small SIB, it's probably sufficient for purpose.

I'd be interested in any pictures from members regards how they resolve this particular problem.

[BruceB]

The problem is exagerrated when the motor is tilted up. It isn't so bad when it is stored in the down position.

[BogMonster]

Never thought about the aux - I trailer mine just tilted up and it stays there when in the water unless I am using it, no sign of any damage but I must have a better look to check!