Horizontal mounting for small outboard

Chris Murray · 09 July 2006, 17:50

I know that some of you keep auxilary engines "lying down" on or inside your RIB.

I have recently bought a (2-stroke) 3.3hp Mercury for my "tender". According to the manual, the correct way to store it (other than upright) is by laying it down with the prop facing the floor.

This would mean that the outboard's own bracket is at the highest point, although I guess it could be turned to face backwards.

I would welcome your suggestions for a suitable horizontal mounting, as I have not had much success in reading past threads on mounting auxiliaries. Before anyone asks - no, it's not going to be used as a back-up engine!

Thanks for your help!

Chris.

Neil Harvey · 09 July 2006, 18:02

Hi Chris,

We've got a Yamaha 4 that we always used to store in the garage lying down, prop facing the ground, mounting bracket swung downwards. Never had any problems, was always happy to start etc.

If you're going to strap it to the deck, it should be OK that way too, but I'd be tempted to put some decent seat foam under the top, and also under the skeg to save the deck.

Cheers

Neil

Chris Murray · 09 July 2006, 18:11

Hi Neil,

Thanks for such a quick response!

I guess it is the method of securinig it to the deck (inside a locker, in my case) that is causing concern. I wouldn't want it to be bouncing around in there.

Cheers!

Chris.

Neil Harvey · 09 July 2006, 18:15

OK, on my speedboat I srewed brackets to the floor and strapped through these.

Not sure if you can do this in your locker though!

Downhilldai · 09 July 2006, 23:01

Screw 4 of these down to the deck inside your locker and use a couple of 1" webbing tie-downs. You may need a couple of chocks to rest the motor on, before securing it.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-25mm-WEBBI...QQcmdZViewItem

Chris Murray · 13 July 2006, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Screw 4 of these down to the deck inside your locker and use a couple of 1" webbing tie-downs. You may need a couple of chocks to rest the motor on, before securing it.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-25mm-WEBBI...QQcmdZViewItem

Sorry - I had missed this reply.

I already have the webbing bridges and straps/buckles but I thought that perhaps someone might have come up with a purpose-built holder.

Regards,

Chris.

Downhilldai · 13 July 2006, 21:43

I don't know of anything purpose made for the job. You could probably knock something up out of timber - maybe a slot for the skeg or cav plate to fit into and a support for the top end of the motor to rest on. A bit of closed cell foam (like camping mats) wouldn't go amiss either.

Limey Linda · 13 July 2006, 22:30

I would not use straps/buckles. They are difficult to get really tight and will stretch with use and temperature and are time consuming to remove/replace. Even a small amount of movement will gradually loosen things up and produce wear marks on the engine's finish. I would use multiple heavy duty bungy cords; in that way the engine is always held down against the chocks/cushioning you have under. Also consider that you can also get lateral movement so bungy/cushion the ends also. Hope this helps a little.

jwalker · 13 July 2006, 22:34

I used to carry my wee Honda outboard by mounting it onto the transom inside the boat. The bottom of the leg was just tied off with a bit of foam under it. Worked fine.

Chris Murray · 13 July 2006, 23:10

Thanks Limey Linda!

I did wonder about using bungy chord instead, for the reasons you have mentioned.

Cheers!

Chris.