Transome mounting holes not perpendicular to transom!

[Mark42]

Last night I was measuring the transom thickness in preperation of buying some stainless hardware to mount the Evinrude 40hp. I noticed that all four holes in the transom are not perpendicular to the transom. The two on the left are angled toward the right, and the two on the right are angled to the left. These holes were drilled for a 1967 Evinrude 60 hp with the multiple piece mounting system. I think it had large enough holes that the bolts could be angled. Or is that the way it is supposed to be?<br /><br />I put a 1/2" bolt through the mounting plate on the Evinrude (its still in its steel crate) and it does not look like there is enough play to allow the bolts to be installed at the angle that is drilled in the transom.<br /><br />I can 1) "Straighten" out the existing holes with a 1/2 bit and fill in the excess space with epoxy, or 2) seal the old holes up and drill new ones in an available new location.<br /><br />The mounting plate of the Evinrude gives me a few options for bolting it on, three at the top both sides, one in the middle and long slots at the bottom. <br /><br />Any suggestions on what is the best plan of action? It just does not seem right that the bolts are angled.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mark.

 

[JB]

Re: Transome mounting holes not perpendicular to transom!

Hi, Mark.<br /><br />Of your options, I think I would epoxy 1/2" dowels into the bad holes, sealing the ends with more epoxy.<br /><br />Then I would drill new holes in new locations if the mounting scheme allows it.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Transome mounting holes not perpendicular to transom!

I noticed that all four holes in the transom are not perpendicular to the transom. The two on the left are angled toward the right, and the two on the right are angled to the left. <br />

That is the way it's supposed to be. Wider on the top motor mounting holes. Narrower on the bottom holes. Kinda look like this:<br /><br />

<br /><br />Not really sure about the rest of the post, but it sounds like JB has you on the right track..

 

[Mark42]

Re: Transome mounting holes not perpendicular to transom!

Rick,<br /><br />The holes are in the right place, like your diagram. The problem is that the drill was not at a 90 degree angle to the transom when they drilled the holes. When you put a bolt in the hole, it sticks out crooked.<br /><br />I think JB's idea is good, and I will try that.<br /><br />Thanks for the responses,<br />Mark.