Does Outboard Fit Boat

[ntchristian]

I have a fiberglass 1970 Hustler Bass boat (they used to call the "needle nose" bass boats with stick steering and engine levers in the front) - I have acquired an Evinrude 40 hp motor (1960 model I think) that weighs 130 - 140 pounds, short shaft - <br /><br />Question: can I use it on this boat _ I am not looking to go fast - just cruise around to some fishing spots (catfish and the like) - any help ?<br /><br />

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

Yep..jus make sure the transom height matches the motor. By the way..thats light most 25 HP weigh about 110 lbs and the lightest 40 HP today is about 170 lbs. Your motor being that old puts out about 35 ponnies at the prop Which is how all outboards are rated today. 50 HP as a general rule is MAX rated HP for most "MORSE STICK" set ups like yours.

 

[ntchristian]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

Thanks FlyBoyMark - great info !!!!! To show what a novice I am - Whay do you mean "transom height matches the motor ??<br /><br />Thanks again !!!!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

I believe that FlyBoy is talking about the length of the lower unit matching the length of the transom. You would want the cavitation plate even(+-1") within the bottom of the hull. 20" transom height, 20" lower unit, Ect. They generally come in 15", 20" and 25" shafts..<br /><br />

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

(Rick posted jus as I did....His graphic will tell where cavitation plate is and general relationships of trasom and motor) <br />You said short shaft, lets make sure. There are two basic lengths of motor legs in your case. 15" and 20". Measure the from the center and top of your transom to the bottom of the transom. It should be 15" or 20" plus or minus an inch. Then on the motor, measure from the transom clamp in the normal position down, from the underside to the top of the cavitaton plate. This demension should be 16-18" for the 15" transom. The longer leg should be 21 to 22" for the 20" transom. Simply stated, if you put the long leg (20") motor on the 15" transom, the motor will stick WAY to far down into the water and actually slow you down quite a bit. If you put the short motor leg on the 20" transom, the prop will run out of the water and cavitate and you won't go anywhere. IF you have a mismatch get back and I have some solutions that will fix the problem in your case.<br /> Generaly, a good elevaton to mount the motor in your case is with the cavitation plate level and even with the bottom of the boat or 1" ABOVE the bottom of the transom. Do not go any higher at this time. Let us know what your transom height and leg length is..

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

Ditto and good explaination, FlyBoy...

 

[ntchristian]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

You guys are great !!!!! I will make the measurements and get back with you (probably next week) <br /><br />THANKS AGAIN !!!

 

[Lark40]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

The 1960 Evinrude 40hp is 148 lbs. with the electric starter. Deduct a few pounds if yours is pull start only.

 

[ntchristian]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

OK - I found the model no. 35520 and serial no. 14991 and the measurements are from bracket to cavitaion plate is 19+ inches and from top of transom to bottom of boat is 15 inches. It is an electric starter with no pull rope.<br /><br />The pigtail has two battery (red and black) and green, white, red and three small blacks. I also have some loose wires - green and white - which I assume are starter switch wires, and red and black which I think are choke wires ??<br /><br /> What does that all tell me ?<br /><br />Frank

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

Whelp...You can use the motor..BUT you will have to build up the transom with fibreglass and wood. In addition it'll have to be braced verticly to keep from snapping off. On other hand, alternative is to buy a transom bracket/jack, mount it high as possible and use the adjustment to raise the motor higher. Personally I like the latter, lots of benefits to using transom jack plate.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

Frank - The "rule book" says to put a 20" motor on a 20" transom. From time to time some of us have been known to bend the rules a tad - - don't tell anyone though.<br /><br />I run a 20" long shaft 9.9 on a 15" transom on my 13' skiff. The cavitation plate/prop etc sits way far deeper than it "should" - - but you know the boat manages to go forward & backward - port & starboard - even up on a plane when I want it to.<br /><br />Please keep this a secret. I don't want the transom police after me.

 

[ntchristian]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

Thanks guys - I really appreciate your responses !!!!<br /><br />Frank

 

[68wetboat]

Re: Does Outboard Fit Boat

Hey ntchristian,<br /><br />I recently bought a 68 ?? boat....not sure what kind. But needle nose does seem to describe it. 15' long, narrow...enough for about 2 swivel seats..that's it. You have any pictures of your boat? I'm trying to find other people with the same type...you know..see if there's any people left w/ the old stuff...that still works.