Bolting vs Clamping Motor

[Olde Merc]

I just bought a new 20 hp Merc 4-stroke. The sales man told me it was just fine to clamp the motor to the transom, but the owner's manual says it should be bolted. My old engine was bolted and clamped, and now I have to seal up the old holes since the new ones are in a different location. So far I've just used silicone which works well, but I am not sure how it'll be in the long term. Should I drill new holes for the new engine or just leave it clamped?

Any suggestions or opinions?

 

[Mel Taylor]

Re: Bolting vs Clamping Motor

Check out the link below. I think it may answer your question.

Ahhhh......Apparently, I didn't manage to post a link so just search for a post titled: "Do i need to bolt my motor on?" on the "Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics)" forum.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Bolting vs Clamping Motor

BOLT IT
unless you like diving.
if your in an area where you really need to take the motor off every evening then either buy a motor clamp plate or make one using a 2" piece of angle aluminium about 12" long,cut one angle side off leaving about 1\8th inch. bolt this to the transome.
gives a lip the clamp washers have a hard time jumping over,then attach the motor to a stern handle with a good marine cable just incase your engine decides to commit suicide.

 

[LongLine]

Re: Bolting vs Clamping Motor

Bolting makes it a "little" harder for someone to steal.

If you clamp it, make sure you have a safety chain on it.

I'd fill the holes with a marine sealant then find a 1/4 thick aluminum plate and mount it across the outboard side of the transom.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[Olde Merc]

Re: Bolting vs Clamping Motor

Thanks for the input. I also found that thread which had a lot of good info.

I guess I will go on the safe side and bolt it up when I get a chance. For security I already have a bar style lock that covers the clamps.

What is marine sealant?

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Bolting vs Clamping Motor

3M PL5200- There is a quicker drying version - PL5300?? Somebody help me here

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Bolting vs Clamping Motor

if your in an area where you really need to take the motor off every evening...

Leave my outboard outside?! HA! That'll happen