New to boating/outboard question

Allright guys, I'm new to the site and this is my first post. In April i bought myself a 2009 Lund WC14 deep-V aluminum boat. Since i got the boat i've been using a 36lb thrust minn kota trolling motor to push me around the lake. After saving some money, i just bought a brand new Nissan 15hp 4 stroke outboard. Now, ive read through the owners manual a couple of times just to make sure i didn't miss anything important. The question is about mounting the motor on the transom. I have it centered and i have the clamp screws tightened (hand tight only). Is that all that is needed to keep that thing tight against the transom so it dont fly off the boat if i hit a big bump? The manual does say that there is an option to drill a hole through the transom and actually bolt (the stern bracket) it to the transom. Should i do this......really dont want to drill through the transom. Or do most of you guys do this?

Re: New to boating/outboard question

It's very uncommon to bolt any engine less than 35 or 40 hp. I don't believe I've ever seen a 10-15 hp bolted on. I've never seen one fall off unless it was just flat out ignored meaning someone put it on and forgot to tighten.

If you're a normally strong adult, just tighten those hand clamps as tight as you can That's what I've been doing since I was a spindly, weak 12 year old.

Re: New to boating/outboard question

The hardest part on buying a new motor is the breaking in period. But well worth it in the long run. Got a new Nissan 18hp four stroke in 2008 it's been a great motor. I run some rough roads to get to the lake so I always check the clamps before I leave the house and lake. Never needs much, but its always better to be on the safe side.

Re: New to boating/outboard question

thanks for the info guys, i wasn't keen on drilling through the transom. I'll just keep checking the stern bracket clamps before and after every use and i guess i'll be OK.

Re: New to boating/outboard question

Put a safety chain on it...look for a milled hole in the front of the transom clamp. If there is one, attach a chain inside the boat at the transom and clip the other end to the transom clamp...just in case it tries to go for a swim.

Re: New to boating/outboard question

tmcalavy said:

Put a safety chain on it...look for a milled hole in the front of the transom clamp. If there is one, attach a chain inside the boat at the transom and clip the other end to the transom clamp...just in case it tries to go for a swim.

Click to expand...

Will do.........it actually shows that in the owners manual but they use a rope instead.