How to Install an Outboard Engine Away From the Transom

The mounting of an outboard motor has, in the past, been a complex operation. As outboards became more powerful, that power and size added complexity to both the motor-board and its mounting. The corollary issues that follow the mounting have to do with the angle at which the propeller bites the water, and how high the motor rides in the water. The introduction of jack plates solved both problems and introduced serious boaters and anglers to highly improved selectivity as regards speed, handling and fuel economy. Mount an outboard using a jack plate and keep it away from the transom.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack plate
  • Wrenches
  • Rented motor hoist
  • Torque wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the hoist-connecting cables to the outboard motor and unbolt the motor-board from the transom. Lift the motor with the hoist. Move the motor away and secure it.

    • 2

      Clean the motor-board and the transom finish thoroughly. Measure the distance between locking bolt holes in the jack plate. Inspect both surfaces to determine if the jack plate can be mounted without alteration. If there are mounting-hole problems, build an intermediate mounting surface from 1/4-inch plate steel and locate and drill holes that will match available spaces on the transom and the jack plate.

    • 3

      Bolt the jack plate to the motor-board using manufacturer-supplied bolts. These are bolts that must be connected to the motor-board at specific tension, so you must use a torque wrench on all nuts.

    • 4

      Move the hoist into position at the stern of the boat. If the cables were undisturbed after the lift-off, there should be a close match when the hoisted motor is realigned with the transom. Adjust the hoist angles so the jack plate is several inches away, but at the same height as the boat's transom.

    • 5

      Bolt the jack plate to the transom of the boat. Ensure that the bolts are at the correct torque level, as per the jack plate manufacturer's instructions.

    • 6

      Release the cables on the hoist, and wheel the hoist away from the motor. Power up the jack plate -- or attach a spin-tight ratchet tool -- and test the adjustment movements, both up and down.