How to make an Outboard Engine Well

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david100952

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I am hoping to convert my Jaguar 22 from the normal setup of Outboard on the transom bracket to mounting it in a well. Can anyone give me pointers on the dos and donts or point me towards an article giving details. I can work with GRP but I need info about placement and projection etc.
 
you actually want to cut a huge hole into the hull of youy P & J.
seriously though you need to consider the stresses imposed into that section of the hull by building a point of drive where it was clearly not intended and the weakening of the hull structure by cutting such a hole.
i for one would be seeking the oppinion of professional designers and boat builders before commiting to what some may say is an act of sacrilidge or wantom vandalism and weigh up the benefits that may be found in the plan.
i for one can see the attraction having motored thrugh some heavy swell in my pandora fitted with transom hung outboard.
but is it worth putting a hole into an otherwise sound hull
good luck whatever you deside to do hope it works well /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
 
I fitted a motor well in my Dockrell 22, the well was an extra in some models, I copied the original as closely as I could, but I no longer use it. When at the helm you are sitting next to a noisy smelly engine. We could not hear one another over the noise, the exhaust gave me a sore throat, the propeller could not lift clear of the water when sailing, it also gained weed & corrosion when on the mooring. It was not possible to steer with the outboard, as there was not enough width to turn it in the well. Yes in rough water it is better being deeper in the water but the disadvantages outweigh the advantages in my case for what it’s worth.
 
I second the above opinions that an outboard well is a waste of good cockpit space. I reckon you should have a decent adjustable height o/b bracket with a long shaft motor. I have found this ok in a swell.
olewill
 
Having had an engine well in a Hurley 22 I wouldn't recommend you convert your Jag.
On first consideration there are attractions; security and avoidance of hanging over the transom to reach the motor for two.
But the downsides are major. The Hurley (and Dockrell too, I guess) has an enclosed well where fumes build up to the point where the engine is starved of air. Running with the hatch open was a noisy, smelly business and the fumes ended up in the cockpit instead. I eventually devised a system of venting the exhaust via a pipe through the stern.
That brings me to the next disadvantage... getting the motor out of the well which was a struggle. During the season the motor would stay in... not a good plan.
Once in the well the motor was fixed with all steering by the boat rudder. At least with the motor on a transom mount you have the option of steering with the outboard. The prop position on the Hurley was immediately behind the rudder, which meant the boat, a long keeler, would simply not go astern.
Others have mentioned the structural problems involved in a retro fit.
PS. The new owner of my Hurley closed off the well and put his motor on a transom bracket. I should have done the same!
 
Well its all been said but I will say it too !
Please do not do this.
The Jaguar (Catalina)22 sails very well and moves easily on a 2.5hp motor if necessary.I tis a lightweight trailerable boat that is raced in friendly fashion a lot in the usa.
You will be adding weight ,noise,drag,inconvenience(really!)vibration,fumes,extra insurance and resale complications....and it will be a bitch of a job and expensive to do.
If you have a long shaft reliable japanese motor on the back,why bother?
 
Thanks for that. I've had a rubbish week at work and your humour has cheered me and is much appreciated. As you may have noticed the idea of putting the engine in a well seems to have met with universal condemnation and I would be pretty stupid to ask for advice and ignore it so I also thank all the replies and have now abandoned the idea. Don't know what to do instead but maybe I'll spend the winter making her look pretty and someone will give me enough money for her to buy something with an inboard and that needs a bit of TLC
 
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