Help...do I have the wrong outboard?

[pianorealm]

Hi. Really hope someone can advise me here.
I've got a Metzler 12 foot inflatable with a floor that inflates hard and flat. The boat is rated up to 15HP (stamped on the tube). Now then, I acquired a Volvo Penta 14hp outboard as a non-runner. I've got it running now...GREAT! Trouble is, the distance from the top of the transom to the bottom of the keel is 15" (short shaft). The outboard measures 17 1/2 inches from top of cavitation plate to the 'U' on the transom bracket. Is this too long to use with this boat..I mean will it be dangerous or anything? Really hope not as I put a lot of work into that engine!!!!!
Cheers
Howard

 

[JB]

Re: Help...do I have the wrong outboard?

I don't think it should be a big problem with your inflatable, Howard.

You will have a bit more drag than normal and having the anti ventilation plate under the water could make the handling a bit squirrelly.

Try it out. If you get unpleasant results you can build up the transom a couple of inches or put a spacer under the clamp, provided the engine still clamps to solid transom.

Let us know what happens.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Help...do I have the wrong outboard?

Hi Howard, that motor will work fine on that inflatable, you will just have to play with the trim untill it is comfortable for you, you will see with the longer shaft it will spray a little bit of water in the boat but not to worry about that, it is not suggested to build up the transom on an inflatable as it put alot of strain on the pontoons where it is joined to the transom and can tear loose after a while of use (this from experience had quite a swim that day), try it and see how it works for you, you should have no problems .. enjoy

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Help...do I have the wrong outboard?

Everyone puts a piece of one by two on top of the transom and then sets the engine on top of that.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Help...do I have the wrong outboard?

Hi Howard, that motor will work fine on that inflatable, you will just have to play with the trim untill it is comfortable for you, you will see with the longer shaft it will spray a little bit of water in the boat but not to worry about that, it is not suggested to build up the transom on an inflatable as it put alot of strain on the pontoons where it is joined to the transom and can tear loose after a while of use (this from experience had quite a swim that day), try it and see how it works for you, you should have no problems .. enjoy

If anyone knows inflatables then this is the guy to take advice from !!

 

[pianorealm]

Re: Help...do I have the wrong outboard?

Many thanks for your advice guys.Will give it a try and see how it goes!!

Howard