Photos Please! Having Chrysler Outboard Transom Bolt Pattern Concerns

[Gordon02]

One of these days I will find me an old runabout for my 70 or 75 Chrysler. I'm not sure if it will be aluminum or fiberglass, but it will be something out of the late 60's or early/mid 70's. What I'm not excited about is the fact that it will likely have holes left from what will probably be left by a previously mounted OMC or Mercury. What have you done in these cases? If it is an expensive boat restoration, would you drill for the conventional OMC/Mercury hole pattern and mount a jackplate?

I ask this because the boat's next owner may want to add modern power. I also don't want to leave holes that would expose the transom to water intrusion. I'm curious to see what you've done with your projects. Gordon

 

[Nordin]

Gordon I would plug these holes if it is a fiberglass boat with fiberglass putty and cover the top with polyester and maybe top coat.

Alu boat .......do not know. Have newer worked or owned an alu boat.

Next owner has to make the holes by him self.
Different brands have different pattern and maybe different pattern by brands depending on year of the engine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Todays motors all have a common pattern

However as Nordin stated, plug the old holes

 

[jerryjerry05]

I use hardwood dowels and fiberglass resin.


Inspect the holes for clean edges.
You might have to drill them out to clean them up??
At this time I check the cuttings for moisture
Measure the dowels and dry fit them.
Then install using the resin, I mix it a little hot so it sets quicker.
Then I use wide, clear packing tape over the holes. Messy job!!

Then after it's dry, remove the tape, sand smooth and then fill with Marine Tex, let dry and smooth again.

 

[Redbarron%%]

Polyester resin will not seal if there is any moisture present, I would use epoxy resin as it is better and more water proof.

 

[Gordon02]

Thanks guys!

 

[Gordon02]

I didn't want to start another thread so I'll give this a try - My next question has to do with the steering cable type and availability. Neither of my outboards have steering tubes and will require the cable housing to be held so the internal ram can effect the turning. One is a 1968 75 horse, the other a 1972 70 horse. I am assuming that I'll have to get a steering cable that attaches/anchors to the boat's transom. Again, these are my first Chryslers and while I remember seeing the old steering cables that had a ball type shape at the end of the housing captured by a metal bracket bolted to the transom. I have not seen one of these steering systems for sale new. Are they available and where? I'm getting nervous about the conversion from an OMC/Merc rigged boat to these Chryslers. Thanks for inputs! Gordon

 

[jerryjerry05]

I think(if my memory's right) Teleflex still makes that type steering.
Put the following part# in e-bay.
All kinds of them show up

Found this:

Teleflex Boat Transom Steering Bracket 300616

 

[Gordon02]

Thanks Jerry, this gives me what I need to look for. Gordon

 

[catfishcarl99]

ah that's probably what I will need. I have a force merc built and am restoring a 75 hp crysler to put on the boat for a lil more power. I have the steering that runs through the tilt bracket and the Chrysler has lust a solid lag through it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

You can also look around for newer transom clamps.
They have the steering tube built in.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Force-Chry...ash=item4d7dffae21:g:oYsAAOSw1SdbsrVI&vxp=mtr
Something like this might fit?