I went out today to try out the new outboard mount I had made up....

It went ok, scooted along at maybe 5 knots. I'll take out the GPS next time
to see how quick it goes, but lets just say Im not breaking any records ;-)
I think I made it too low to the water, the prop was way down in there. Im
going to try adding an inch or two in height to the bracket and see what
difference it makes. The first run out, I had the outbaord fixed in place
and was steering by the tiller. The second run out I took off the rudders
and went with just the outboard. Even without the daggerboards down it
tracked just fine and steered easily.

The real problem was as i suspected.... The boat was far too heavy in the
rear. With only me on it, the stern was almost buried (ok, I weigh 240
pounds) with me sowewhere in the center of the baot and my partner up well
before the mast it sat ok. In the opposite situation (she's about half my
weight) it actually rode pretty good. I'm hoping that with some gear stowed
forward while on holidays this would ballance out, but probably not by
anywhere as neasr as much as I would like....

Having the outboard forward of the mast or mounted just behind the mast
still sounds appealing to me, though I'm sure it comes with its own
problems. Will let you all know how things go.

I can take pictures of the mount/motor for anyone interested

Shaun


"Shaun Van Poecke" wrote in message
...
Hanging a swing up mount on a cat will be -uhm- interesting (yeah,
interesting - that's the word!).
You might hang it off the back spreader tube, but how to brace that for
the thrust and vibration?

Four stroke engines have an oil sump - so swinging it up sideways may be
a problem. Oil leaking in the water will get you more attention than you
may want. And the slick points straight at the offender.

I wonder if that little light weight cat would move well with a trolling
motor? Sure would be easier to install.


Richard

Hi Richard,
i was thinking more a 'lift up mount' than a swing up mount. While that
may sound funny, the basic idea I guess would be some kind of track up the
mast, maybe even with a block to help lift it. It would drop down onto
some kind of mount at the base of the mast. You are right about the oil...
There are only two positions that it can be stored in without leaking oil
everywhere.

I had thought about the trolling motor last year, but gave it up to get a
new outboard. While the many advantages of the trolling motor are nice
(no sound, no smoke, no 'starting problems' etc) they are outweighed by
the lack of available fuel. Also, storing batteries isnt the easiest
thing on a beach cat ;-)

I made up a bracket this afternoon mounted off the stern amidships. Like
most of my projects, it was done to a deadline, not a standard ;-) I made
it up out of some old decking, some caulk, and some screws. Galvanised
bolts to attach to frame. Total cost; about $4 plus 30 minutes work.
Will let you know if it goes any good.

Shaun