Spartan outboard bracket on Folkboat

[Libertine]

Hi

Has anyone actually used the Spartan outboard bracket below, specifically on a Folkboat?

http://www.rigrite.com/Hardware/Motor_Brackets/SP_outboard_mtr_mnt.php

If yes, have you found it to be low enough for use with a long shaft outboard? Bit concerned it may be too high. Have seen ALL of the pros and cons of other (uglier!) mounts and contraptions, but unless someone knows otherwise, I haven't found any that are as good looking for such a classic boat - I'm a bit obsessed with aesthetics! Apologies if this has been directly addressed on another thread, I've seen the Spartan mentioned, but not by someone who has actually used it on a Folkboat.

Thanks!

James

 

[jamie N]

"4560 Outboard bracket
Folkboat Accessories

Outboard bracket for Folkboat complete"

This is an item that I considered for my own, but when I contacted the Folkboat Association, I was quoted £960.00; I repeat £960.00.
In the end, I made my own by fabricating a permanent mahogany 'sill', that the Honda 2.3 attaches to. I extended the shaft on the outboard to compensate.

 

[Libertine]

Hi Jamie

Thanks very much for your help. It is a lot of money, I admit! My main question is whether the Spartan bracket is low enough for a long shaft outboard? It seems quite high. I recently measured the top of the transom to waterline on a Nordic Folkboat is about 54cm, but I haven't done any more maths on it!


Cheers,

James

 

[Tranona]

A longshaft is 20" from underside of bracket to waterline so you are fine with that kind of bracket. However be prepared for it to come out of the water in anything of a sea when the boat pitches. You can't avoid this as it is just a downside of using an outboard on a boat of this type. An extra longshaft (24") might be better but you might then have starting problems because of back pressure in the exhaust - plus they are cumbersome to lift and stow.

 

[jamie N]

The bracket on my boat is level with the deck. The engine's a Honda 2.3hp, with an extra extension, giving 32" from the bracket to the centre of the prop. This is a custom built thing, where I'd the drive shaft extended for £40 and an extra Honda extension piece from Ebay for £50; the extension piece is the Honda extension piece that extends the 'normal' engine to the 'long shaft' engine, and hasn't had an issue in 2 years of hard use. This year, I've travelled from Stornoway to Inverness with only this engine as my inboard diesel had a starter motor failure. The Honda only very occasionally cavitates with the extra extension, whereas it was very usual before the mod.
I'm trying to upload pic of the Honda extension, but having no success, thus attached pic is of the engine prior to extending, which was 26"!

 

[Libertine]

Hi Jamie

Thanks for your help, that makes me feel better. I'll have a long shaft and the bracket will be a few inches below deck level, which sounds OK. Good to hear it doesn't leave the water too much. It's a big decision for me not to have an inboard, so I'm looking for reassurance! Cheers, James

 

[jamie N]

Glad to be of help. With my engine, the tiller/throttle control had to be above deck so that I'm able to control it, in a marina for example. Are you going to fit Morse controls and cables to yours? By the way, concentrating on the aesthetics, and the Folkboatness of the boat is entirely understandable, and commendable; it's what we do!