Posted by Davidk on 09/08/10 - 6:30 PM
#8
Tom W Clark wrote:
This is an FAQ, a very FAQ.
The answer is to mount the motor "two holes up" on the transom (1-1/2" between the top of the transom and the underside of the "hooks" on the motor.)
When you do this, you also use the motor's highest set of lower bolt holes and the mounting bolts will then clear the transom splashwell with ease.
If you only want the motor "one hole up" (3/4") then you will have to angel the lower bolts upwards a bit. The angle is merely a cosmetic issue; it will be more than strong enough.
The old lower bolt holes can be easily filled.
There is no good reason to mount any modern outboard all the way down on the transom of any 16'-7" Whaler.
Sorry Tom....I have to disagree. You say that there is no good reason to mount a modern outboard all the way down. Tell me....what's the down side? I have a modern 4 stroke Yamaha 100HP. Its mounted all the way down and rests on the transom. I used all the original holes that were in the transom and did not have to drill any new holes in my restored 62 Nauset. This was really important to me. I can plane in about two and a half seconds and I reach top speed of 46.3 MPH on GPS. I find no problems with using those awefull blind bolt holes (as somebody called them). I can't imagine any reason they shouldn't be used. That's what they're there for.......And for those that respond saying I cant raise my engine up any higher......Why would I want to with the performance I'm getting. Further, the other solutions people suggest will not allow moving the engine either. (The only solution to raising/lowering the engine is with a jack plate).
So to original poster... I stand by my solution (Yamaha or Suzuki). I completely understand that you may have just bought the Merc and want to find a way to make it work. That being the case, I still recommend the jack plate.