outboard center on boat

[Andy in NY]

okay so im ready to wrap up my starcraft project, and when we mounted the motor i thought i had it centered... we took a few measurements and it seemed to check out. but looking at the transom from the inside it is about 1/2" off center according to the knee brace. i went to the back and checked and sure enough 1/2". its off to the port side.

the reason i had to mount it with new holes is because the old motor mount holes were a different pattern.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: outboard centering on boat

Re: outboard centering on boat

it should be centered, all i would do, is try it, and see if any ill effects.

 

[swordfish25]

Re: outboard centering on boat

Re: outboard centering on boat

It should be centered because of the way the water comes across the bottom of the boat..It depends on the hp of the motor how much differense it will make. Depending how far the other holes were off you could have filled them and drilled now ones. Sometimes a boat runs better if you raise the motor a little. Raise the motor a little at a time until you hit the sweet spot then drill the holes. Do 1/4 in. at a time. This is trial and erra, BE CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS AS THE MOTOR IS JUST CLAMPED ON. DO NOT MAKE SHARP TURNS UNTIL YOU HAVE BOLTED IT ON. GOOD LUCK

 

[Chris1956]

Re: outboard centering on boat

Re: outboard centering on boat

Andy, If you have already drilled the mounting bolt holes, you are committed. Take it for a test run. I expect it will work fine. if it is not drilled, I would center it, since it may be a bit better.

 

["G"]

Re: outboard centering on boat

Re: outboard centering on boat

I've heard of folk who INTENTIONALLY mount off center to compensate for torque. A half inch isn't a huge amount... I'd give it a run. Let us know how ya did OK.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: outboard centering on boat

Re: outboard centering on boat

Typically a motor is centered on the keel or pad (running surface) for a recreational boat. Now, centered on the keel means the motor may or may not be centered on the transom. It's not unusual to find a boat slightly wider from the center to one side vs the other.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: outboard centering on boat

Re: outboard centering on boat

DHadley is correct.

A motor should be centered off the chines, not the supports, transom, or drain hole.

 

[ebry710]

Re: outboard centering on boat

Re: outboard centering on boat

I've heard of folk who INTENTIONALLY mount off center to compensate for torque. A half inch isn't a huge amount... I'd give it a run. Let us know how ya did OK.

I doubt if the 1/2" is going to effect the boat anymore then not balancing stored or live weight, wind on one side of the boat or waves not hitting evenly.

Now on a cigarette boat or other hi speed craft, then it would matter, but then again on those boats you would have had a professional do it.