Will my outboard fly off ?? Any recommendations?

[jfkal]

Got a Suzuki 6 HP outboard. Manual suggests "STRONGLY" to also use two (supplied) bolts and nuts to secure it further. (A bit inconvenient to bring the tool box every time I use the Dinghi). Is there are real danger for a 6 HP outboard to fly off the transom or are they just covering their a*** in case someone wants to sue them over that......

THX

 

[William_H]

The usual clamps for an outboard should be very adequate. However you should have a piece of rope attaching the motor to the boat. It should be long enough so that if you are fitting or removing the motor from the boat in deep water you can tie the rope on first (and remove last)

It is no great drama to drop a motor in the water but it really is the end if you can't find it again. olewill

 

[Topcat47]

I've had a 4hp "fly off" under "power", but that was due to not tightening one of the clamps enough. A friend's fishing boat has a 40hp bolted to the transom of his vessel, but I think for a 6 this is overkill. My latest pump-up dingy has a ridge round the clamping plate. This means that even if one bolt isn't quite tight enough, it won't fly off.

 

[Drascomber]

Fact - So far as I know Suzuki are the only manufacturer to supply bolts for an engine of this size.
Fact - I have seen literally hundreds of Drascombes with every kind of 2 stroke and 4 stroke motor known to man up to 15 hp and so far I have only seen one bolted on.
Fact - I have had 18hp and 40hp motors in the past and in those days they didn't even have provision for bolting on and for security the motors came off the boat after every trip.
Fact - If you don't do up the clamps securely the motor will jump off and it could be quite spectacular.
By the way, I wouldn't use a safety rope - I'd make up a wire one. Fixed to the motor at one end. On the other end I'd put a stout clip or snap shackle to clip to a transom eye bolt on the dinghy. If the motor stays on, I would replace the clip with a shackle done up with pliers to slow down the thieves.

If you think you stand a chance of suing Suzuki if the motor comes off or if you think the clamps might break then bolt the motor on. On second thoughts, if you think the clamps might break buy another make.

 

[webcraft]

It will almost certainly fly off, travelling an average distance of 100 to 150 feet at a height of (usually) between six and eight feet.

The only way to prevent it is to use a very strong epoxy glue on the transom. All dinghy passengers should also wear crash helmets.

 

[VicS]

I had one fly out of the cabin once. At least it was there when I left the boat one weekend but a week later the hatch was open and it had flown

 

[jfkal]

Very funny.

 

[jfkal]

Now THAT always happens of course. Put a small bowl filled with premium high Octane gasoline at the bow. It will come flying back to you in no time. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jfkal]

Thanks. That was helpful anjd useful indeed. So the bolt shall stay in the toolbox.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jorgen]

Tighten the handles on the outboard and tie a rope between them. That way it wont unfasten itself without you knowing it.

 

[graham]

My Suzuki DF4 (same motor as the DF6) hasnt come off yet in 3 seasons use,we use the clamps without bolts.

IMHO Suzuki are just protecting themselves legally in case someone doesnt tighten a clamp then injures themselves.