Randy - you definitely want a backing plate. cheers- Shawn Boles Grey Mist (M17 #276 1978) -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+shawn=ori.org@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+shawn=ori.org@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of RandyG Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 11:10 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: RE: M_Boats: Adjustable Motor Mount Hi Bill, Appreciate your work with the web site! Our M17 #410 originally came with the fixed fiberglass motor mount. A previous owner removed the fixed mount and install a small and light-duty adjustable mount. He used this mount with a 4.5 2-cycle short-shaft Johnson motor. The small light-duty mount has worn out; no more spring tension, wood mount deteriorated, bushing worn, etc. We want to install a 4 - 5 hp 4 cycle motor and determined the existing motor mount needs to be replaced. Jim and Diane sent me a picture of their new M15 and I really liked their motor mount. The lever that is used to latch the motor in the up/down position is also a handle and offers assistance in lifting and lowering the motor (seems like a good idea to me). Also, the new mount uses a resin/plastic type motor base instead of wood. I contacted Bob to find the supplier, these new mounts are made by Garhauer Marine http://garhauermarine.com They have an online catalog. The unit is OB-125 and lists for $170.50. I could not find any other supplier on the web other than ordering direct from Garhauer. We ordered one and it arrived last week. It is built like a tank! It must weigh 20+ lbs! At first I was concerned that it was an over kill for a 4 - 5 hp 4 cycle motor, but since checking I am told that 4 cycle motors, vibrate more, and weigh more, than equivalent 2 cycle's. And that this is the correct mount. It is certainly substantial and the 2 springs will easily off-set the weight of a typical 4 - 5 hp 4-cycle motor. Unfortunately, the mounting holes won't align with the old bracket (narrower). I believe the "125" in OB-125 is for a weight rating of 125 lbs. Also, the vertical travel with this mount is significantly more than the old mount, allowing it to be mounted higher on the transom. We intend to use a long shaft motor but with the greater vertical travel I believe a short shaft could also be used. I think a backing plate would be a good idea. Hull 410 is a 4 berth model, with both port and starboard cockpit lockers intact (not cut out into the interior). From inside the rear wet locker I can get to the bolts to remove the old mount, but to put in a backing plate I think I will need to install a 4" - 6" access hatch in the wet locker on the port side. This isn't so bad as the hatch will be hidden in the wet locker. For a backing plate I am thinking of using a piece of 1/2 marine plywood soaked in epoxy resin. Randy Graves M17 #410 ________________________________ From: montgomery_boats-bounces+randyg=cite.nic.edu@mailman.xmission.com on behalf of BILLAMICASR@aol.com Sent: Thu 3/17/2005 6:34 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Adjustable Motor Mount Hi all, Finally got my tow vehicle. I will be picking up "Tip" in the next couple of weeks and bringing her down to SF. A little practice on the strings and maybe, just maybe I'll get in a little sail time (nice concept). Some time ago I was considering an adjustable motor mount. At the time, someone mentioned a good brand. I printed and saved that post and filed it away so as to never loose it and of course have forgotten where it's filed. Questions: 1. What brand, and model number to use to make sure I've got a real solid mount? 2. Is the short shaft the correct model of OB to use? 3. Is an aluminum backing plate recommended when installing the mount? Thanks, Bill M-17 "Tipperary #496 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats