Excel Transom Wheels

[Limecc]

Hi, I took the opportunity today to fit the 400mm (tyre size 3.5 x 8) transom wheels that I got from Excel Inflatables for my 390 SIB, and I thought I'd post some pics to make it easier if anyone wants to do the same.

I sealed the 6mm holes with polyurethane sealant which I figure is better than silicone and I also sealed the towing lugs which had been fitted but not tightened.

The wheels are the maximum width it is possible without straining the splash shield. It was only necessary to measure for the first hole then I used the bracket as a template and a marker pen to mark the other three.

[duggie12]

Hi limecc looks good I've just fitted mine too. Are the posts not to be fitted so the crank goes the opposite way and the wheel is under the transom? That's what they are like on mine but your wheels look a bit different
Cheers

[Limecc]

I had a look at this and it makes sense to have the wheels as far forward as possible when down, also they would not drip water into the boat when up.

However to achieve this the brackets would have to be dropped by 50-52mm and the plastic brackets that hold the inflatable floor down would have to be notched to accommodate the bolt heads. The legs would still be fouling the fabric albeit not heavily, so it would pay to use several stainless washers to space the lower holes of the bracket away from the transom.

For now I will live with it and give it a try, I am happy that reversed wheels are in front of the C of G of the motor. Maybe I would make some custom brackets if it doesn't work out.

[Fenlander]

As Duggie says not the ideal way round but I've had this problem before with the shorter legs like these. I was determined to have the wheels canted under the transom though so put them as low as possible so the inside fixings were just above the back of the air floor (Zodiac Fastroller). On mine it wasn't that the air floor brackets were in the way just that I didn't want the back of the air floor chafing on the transom wheel bracket nuts inside the transom.

Unladen in the yard they had a small but seemingly OK clearance between the top of the tyre and floor fabric but with outboard, fuel tank and other kit... plus the bumping of potholes... after the first use I found the tyres had picked up grit etc and worn the floor material.

That was quite a few SIBs and sets of transom wheels ago and I've forgotten the solution... I either returned them to the dealer and bought ones with longer legs... or moved the brackets down and protected the back of the air floor from the inner nuts. I've done both things and just can't remember which it was on that occasion.

If you keep yours as they are I accept they may balance OK with just the OB but if you trolley a good few hundred yards with... as we do... a 25l fuel tank, anchor and ropes bag, personal kit etc etc it adds loads more strain so I'd keep a very careful eye on the bracket pivots and also the legs for stress cracks.