I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

[brianmerc]

I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Semi-new boater here: Engine is a 1976 Mercury 1150 115HP with Power Trim.<br /><br />I am kind of worried about my engine falling off the back of my boat. I had my boat out on the water a few days ago, and whenever I would take off full throttle, my engine would tilt back a bit. I know this can be normal but it just seemed a little more than normal. AND THEN, when I would throw it into reverse real quick, then engine would pop up, almost out of the water. Then engine would tilt forward, as if I was raising the engine with the power trim. Shouldn't the Power Trim keep the engine stationary, in the water and not allow it to pop up out of the water when I throw it into reverse?<br /><br />Is any of this normal? Should the power trim be checked? Should I tighten the actual engine to the fiberglass of the boat to make sure it isn't going to fall off one of these days?<br /><br />Please help with any feedback or thoughts about this. Thank you!!<br /><br />BrianMerc

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

attach a big chain to her so she doesn't sink!<br />seroiusly, not an OB problem, but a boat problem.<br />time for a new transom perhaps?<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[brianmerc]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

What's a Transom? <br /><br />Remember, I'm new....

 

[JB]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Hi, Brian.<br /><br />The transom is the stern (back) plate of the boat. <br /><br />That is where you have mounted an engine that is just about to tear it off the boat and sink both parts. <br /><br />VERY serious problem. DO NOT use the boat again until it is fixed.

 

[Bco128]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

I intend to have my transom redone this winter...not cheap..but better than the alternative.about $800 to $1,000. i spoke to a guy who does this type of work and his suggestion is to lift the motor to full up tilt while on land and lock it in place. then move motor up and down by hand..if there is movement in the transom then it has a weak spot and should be replaced...and to always use a transom saver to keep it from being destroyed during transport.he said a transom will normally rot put in about 10 years or so.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

brian try this site and look on left side scroll down to transom repair it has a good article on it. You could do it yourself and maybe save a few bucks http://www.mfgboats.com/?

 

[OhNoMrBill1960]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Hi Brian,<br />I have an older Merc and recently changed the lower unit on it. There is a cam on the lower unit shifter that causes hooks (visible) to hook on to the mounting bracket that keep the motor from poppingn when it is put in to reverse up as you described it. The motor I believe is supposed to pop up in case you hit something going forward so when you put it in reverse if you don't have something to keep it down it will pop up as you are reversing the thrust and the direction you are pushing causing the same effect as hitting something.

 

[Dershman]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

If it is your transom that is weak. You can salvage the rest of your season by taking two pieces of HEAVY 2" angle iron (metal bent in a 90 degree angle along its length) that re as long as the transom is wide and attache them to each other forming an "s" - one piece facing [ <br />other above or below facing ] with bolts holding them together. then attach this to the inside of your transom and secure the mounting bracket to this new support. It will distirbute the load across the entire transom. Then chain the engine to the boat.<br />tight lines and tall tales, ciao.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

If your transom needs repair do not put it off. Just one more tap and not only does the repair bill go up for the added fiberglass repair, but having to pay someone to raise it off the bottom is not cheap.

 

[Bdog]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Sounds like the seals in your trim unit are shot. The teltale is that when you put it in reverse the engine pops up. On my old 86' force I was able to break down the hydrolic trim cylenders and replace all of the seals. This helped keep my engin firmly in one spot.

 

[brianmerc]

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Re: I think my outboard is about to fall off my boat HELP!

Hey everyone, <br /><br />Thanks for all the info. I'm gonna have to re-read all your repsonses again tonight and make a check list of everything you suggested I do. I understand it is important to fix it before it gets worse. I don't have the $$ to fix anything right now. One thing I have learned so far while owning my boat, they might be fun, but when they break, it can be expensive. <br /><br />How do I chain the engine to the boat in case it does ever fall off??<br /><br />Thanks again for the input. I look forward for more, if possible. It looks like I have an expensive off season coming up.<br /><br />Brianmerc