Outboard Motor storage on a 320...

[Bob M]

I currently have a 9.9 Merc for my 10' AB hard-bottom inflatable. Although I enjoy the extra speed this 9.9 gives me on the raft, I'm getting tired of it's size and weight. I would much rather downsize to a smaller OB for convenience sake. I used to store the 9.9 along the side of my back-to-back seat (port side) on my former boat, a 300 Weekender. There is no such space on my 2002 320, and I don't relish the fact of putting the OB down below in the aft cabin.

Where do you carry your OB on your 320? Is there any OB that will fit in the storage area in the stern? I mean the one where the access is from the swim platform and through that somewhat small access door. I'm hoping to purchase a 4 or 5 hp as a replacement for the 9.9 hp. Please let me know what you do with your OB.

 

[FSUDave]

I have an 8' inflatable and used to have a 4hp ob on it(until someone came into the gated marina and stole it!) I could not find any good place on the boat to store it, so I just kept it on the inflatable with the inflatable sitting on the swim platform. The 8' inflatable fit nice and the combo of the 2 was around 100 lbs so it was easy to pull up.

 

[MAKC]

i just purchased and installed Nautley davits for my 320 and i was able to keep the outboard on the dinghy. Take the money you will use on a new OB and invest in a davit system that lets you not have to remove the OB from the inflatable. I'll post pictures when i can.

 

[sbw1]

I've got a 2HP Johnson OB that is no speed demon for sure. But it fits in our floor locker and gets me to shore when we are anchored out. It's also light and therefore easy on the back when it's being installed. Depends on how you use your dingie. Some people see them as another boat and use them for "cruising." It's just a "to and from" for us. You might be able to get by with a smaller motor.

 

[Bob M]

I'm hoping to find one of you that has a 4 or 5 hp Merc or Yamaha that was able to fit it in that rear storage area. There seems to be adequate room in that area but will the engine fit through the door.

 

[Bob M]

Is there anyone who puts a 4 or 5 hp OB in the "trunk" of their 320? I really need to find out real soon. I've got three weeks of vacation planned and the first one is just over three weeks away. I really need to find out if a 4 hp Yamaha or 5 hp Merc will fit without buying it first.

Thanks for your replies!

 

[Alex F]

Bob, why don't you take measuring tape, go to the store and measure all dementions of the motor. Then go back to the boat and measure the trunk and other possible storage (under seats). Looks like the seat behind storage has most space.

Also, from what I've seen if the dinghy is properly stored on the swim platform the motor is just staying attached on the dingy, so no worries about additional storage.

 

[daddyox]

6 Hp Tohatsu.. I bought a canvas carrying case-- sits under my table...didn't really have another choice. I keep looking at the Hurleys but 99% of the time back into the slip-- I would still have to remove the motor (or have someone drive it off while I was docking), with my configuration, if I wanted to use the dingy. I don't think you'll have a chance to store it there if you want 4-5 hp. Length of the shaft is not a problem, but the width of the motors are. I'm sure you can find all of the dimensions online.

 

[Rocket]

I have a 6 HP motor, 4 stroke and it is not easy to put this motor in the transom locker. I can barely fit the motor in there, i have to clear the locker out and it is a big PITA. Every time i set it up i curse this motor. I second the installation of a good davit system and leave the OB on the dink. I will be doing the same shortly. Also, we use the Dink for a boat to shore trip. 6 HP is plenty for my 9'6" so dont be afraid of smaller motors if you intend to use it like i do.

 

[searay495]

The talk about leaving the motor while on the dink while on the Davit system has me a little confused. My Davit system is the one where I connect the side of the dink on to the swim platform and pull the boat up on it's side, then rest it on the transom. You don't leave the motor on for that set up do you?

 

[Alex F]

The talk about leaving the motor while on the dink while on the Davit system has me a little confused. My Davit system is the one where I connect the side of the dink on to the swim platform and pull the boat up on it's side, then rest it on the transom. You don't leave the motor on for that set up do you?

When I mentioned leaving the motor on I was referring to setup when the dink stay on it bottom, not on the side. Here the thread with some pictures.
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=665&highlight=pwc+vs+dinghy

However, here's how they advertise the motor being up when the dink is on the side.

http://www.dinghydumper.com/

Alex.

 

[Defender]

Hey Bob, maybe the best thing to do is try Sean's 5 HP merc in the back locker and if you want try my Johnson 5 HP (as long as you don't pull it), we could measure the opening in both of our boats and see if there the same, willing to bet they are close. Only issue I see from there is you may have to swap out the pressurized actuator that holds the transom hatch open to a longer unit (They sell them at Salks $20 -$40) and move the mounting bracket.



John A (Giddy Up)

 

[Bob M]

Hey John, ...I didn't know you were on CSR! You are my personal hero, you know. Skip got the Mercruiser guy down to analyze my alarm problem. Four new batteries and two replacement sensors are to be installed this week. Then I should be good to go. What I haven't spent for gas the last couple of weekends, I've made up in Absolut stock. Maybe we will see you this weekend.

 

[Alex F]

Four new batteries and two replacement sensors are to be installed this week.

Bob, which sensor are getting replaced?

By a strange coincident, when I splashed last weekend after quick shakedown cruise I was getting two beeps every two min or so. SmartCraft guages didn't show anything. I checked Water Pressure PSI and port engine was showing numbers like 1.5-2 while strbd engine showed 3.5 (all at idle speed). Eventually the sound went away as I was approaching my slip. I'm guessing water pressure PSI sensor got wacky in the winter.

 

[Bob M]

I don't know what sensors (sending units?) are being replaced. I'll find out more when I speak with my marina guy this weekend. I'll let you know when I find out.

 

[Defender]

[What I haven't spent for gas the last couple of weekends, I've made up in Absolut stock. Maybe we will see you this weekend.[/quote]



Hey Bob, good to hear you got the alarm issue tackled. We will be down Saturday around 5:00 PM, heading to Potters for the evening or may leave Sunday AM for the day. Defiantly need to inspect your Absolute inventory.

My outboard engine is in for service due to an intermittent water pump issue, doesn’t look like I’ll have it for the weekend, probably should have bought the repair manual and attempted to fix it myself.

 

[Bob M]

Skip (my marina guy/owner) called last evening to let me know "It's Only Money" is good to go! No more "beep-beep"! Four new batteries and two sending units solved the problem. I'll let you guys know which sending units they were in case you ever encounter anything similar.

John we are going for a day trip today to meet up with Lorna's sister and her hubby. We'll be staying at the marina tonight. See you there if you don't head out for the weekend.