newbie transom reinforcement question

[kayaken]

I just bought a 14 ft Lund rated for 25 HP motor. So being a guy, I bought the biggest motor it was rated for which is a 4 stroke 25 HP mercury. Question is do I need to reinforce the transom with an aluminum plate prior to thru bolting the motor in place? If so, do I glue the plate in place first or simply drill through the plate and transom?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ken

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

nope

 

[saumon]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

No, but with a 25hp on a lightwight aluminum 14ft, connect the kill switch and take it easy on the hard turns...

Also, having you (unknown weight), the engine (160 lbs) and a gas tank (30 lbs) in the back will probably having it to run with the bow fairly up. If running alone, you'll have to put some weight in the bow.

 

[kayaken]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

No, but with a 25hp on a lightwight aluminum 14ft, connect the kill switch and take it easy on the hard turns...

Also, having you (unknown weight), the engine (160 lbs) and a gas tank (30 lbs) in the back will probably having it to run with the bow fairly up. If running alone, you'll have to put some weight in the bow.

Thanks guys. Should I be looking for a 15 HP motor instead?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

that's a matter of personal preference.... either will get the job done but the 25 will get you a few more mph

 

[roscoe]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

Thanks guys. Should I be looking for a 15 HP motor instead?

No.

You should be fine. But just like any small boat, you may need to balance the weight out in the boat to get it to run level.

 

[Thumperrr]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

SM is right,if the plate says it's good for 25 HP then it is....with no modifications....just clamp it to your transom and drive off,just keep in mind what was said about weight distribution...it does matter....enjoy Thump

 

[cr2k]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

If the inside of the transom is just wood I would use a piece of alu plate, doesn't have to be too big just a little bigger than the footprint of the brackets.

 

[kayaken]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

It is an aluminum transom. I was going to put some stainless steel through bolts to secure the motor to the transom and some 4200 series marine caulking.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: newbie transom reinforcement question

It is an aluminum transom. I was going to put some stainless steel through bolts to secure the motor to the transom and some 4200 series marine caulking.

I would think with a 25 HP outboard, through bolts would be a good thing. You will have some torque as well as all the weight working against you. I don't think you need to add aluminum plates if you stay withing the guidelines of the boat. Show us a picture of back of the boat