Mounting Outboard Motor on Snapdragon 26

[atieso]

Hello - anyone have experience mounting an engine on the transom of a Snapdragon 26? Mine came with an OLD 2 stroke in the lazarette/motor well and it doesn't function. I have a brand new 4 stroke 9.8 but it is just too big. I plan on adding a backer board behind the motor mount. Just wanted to hear if anyone else has done it and what recommendations you might have. Thank you.

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Hello - anyone have experience mounting an engine on the transom of a Snapdragon 26? Mine came with an OLD 2 stroke in the lazarette/motor well and it doesn't function. I have a brand new 4 stroke 9.8 but it is just too big. I plan on adding a backer board behind the motor mount. Just wanted to hear if anyone else has done it and what recommendations you might have. Thank you.

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My 23 had a cantliever bracket on transom ... fine - BUT UGH !! Lifting on / off nearly broke my back and often nearly fell in. I had a Mercury 7.5 Sail drive outboard ... marvelous engine but heavy.
I modified my cockpit in the end - cut a well and fitted new bulkhead ...

The 26 has a purpose built well behind rudder etc. as you know ... poor manouevrability is the result of that ... but a good compromise. I would suggest the transom bracket is not so good ... and you'll soon wish you hadn't. Can't you p/ex the biggy engine you have for physically smaller engine to fit the well ?

You could even think about a 2/hand Volvo Sail-drive ? fitted into there ?

 

[Swanrad2]

The big problem is starting the thing (assuming it's not electric start), you can never get the angle right to pull the string. Only exception to this I had was a cut out in the transom, creating an effective small well right at the back in the lazerette. Kept the exhaust fumes out of the cockpit, made starting easy(er) but was dependent on not having much freeboard or a very long leg. Having moved on to a diesel from small outboards for a few years now I have come to the conclusion I hate them both equally but for different reasons.

 

[davidbfox]

My 747 has a standard lifting bracket on the transom, though I've never needed to use it as I fixed the diesel. Previous owner used it all the time with 9hp motor and said there were no problems.

 

[Kyle2]

My 747 also has an outboard bracket on the transom. I mount the 3.5 hp dinghy outboard on there in emergencies (when the inboard breaks down!). I think that there is a plywood board behind the bracket mounting, to spread the load. I agree with the comments made about difficulty of starting, because of the postion of the engine. Electric starting would be ideal.

 

[duncanmack]

[ QUOTE ]
Hello - anyone have experience mounting an engine on the transom of a Snapdragon 26? Mine came with an OLD 2 stroke in the lazarette/motor well and it doesn't function. I have a brand new 4 stroke 9.8 but it is just too big. I plan on adding a backer board behind the motor mount. Just wanted to hear if anyone else has done it and what recommendations you might have. Thank you.

[/ QUOTE ]

When you say it's too big, is it too wide to fit in the well or is the mounting bracket too close to the transom?

I've a Snapdragon 21 which now has an Evinrude 8 Yachtwin LS in it - which the previous owner had on a cantilever bracket on the transom. It was "too big for the well".

I severely modified the wooden mounting in the well (it sits in vertical channels at the front of the well)- effectively moving it forward - and slightly enlarged the hole in the bottom of the well. Not difficult to do this once I visualised the "offset" needed.
It was a right pain to get on and off the first few times until the technique was mastered but I wouldn't consider putting it back on the bracket on the transom
As Nigel said, if you put it on a bracket you'll soon wish you hadn't.
If it's too wide for the well (doubtful) it's not too difficult to modify the sides of the well to accomodate it.

If you want more info on my mod then just ask!
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Rabbie]

It can be done as you can see here on my Snap24 but as others have said, its difficult to reach the starter cord and also the throttle/gear lever. I had a Mercury 4 for emergency use but gave up and the bracket is now removed. I would not recommend that you hang it on the back.