My outboard is a Tohatsu 6HP long shaft saildrive. I am finding that when I lift the ply mounting board to the upper poistion, the lower part of the engine including propellor is still in the water. Raising the ply board to a higher level doesn't seem to be an option as the engine would then be unstable. I want to ensure the entire engine is above the wster level to avoid fouling etc and I don't particularly want to remove the engine (too much of a workout!) Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Is long shaft the correct engine for the boat (as opposed to short shaft)? In previously posted topics I've seen references to 'blanking plate' and 'under tray' - I don't know what these are and now wonder if this is a fitting for the boat which should be there which is missing - does anyone know what this is? Finally, if all else fails, is there such a thing as a suitable lifting bracket such as some boats have on the transom? Sorry this is rather lengthy but I guess other owners have faced much the same problem.

Many thanks, Ken Kerr

In response:

I replaced my 6hp engine a few years back and the Tohatsu dealer, following my query and consultation with whatever manuals, assured me that a long shaft was the correct outboard.

I have a blanking-plate, something slightly bigger than the hole which attaches/clips in, and covers the ‘hole in the bottom of the boat’; but I rarely use it. Earlier this year when on a pontoon with waves lashing the stern it was useful stopping water splashing up, but apart from that, I am not sure the point of it - you cannot/never been able to use it when the engine is on the transom/ply mounting board.

At the end of each sailing session, I lift my outboard right out of the water and it sits/rests on a homemade contraption. Not very hi-tech but functional. A picture was posted by the webmaster about 5 months ago under 'Lifting engine and keel position when on the mooring' - it is a straightforward lift and although I am of a ‘more mature persuasion’, not too difficult for me!

Hope this helps

Regards

Many thanks for this information - it's really helpful. Just one question though, when your boat is on the water but on the moooring (or berth), do you allow the lower part of the outboard shaft snd propellor to sit in the water or have you got some way of raising the outboard above water level?

Best regards

Ken

I lift my outboard, pretty much as you do, and let it rest on the plywood transom (in my case it is now plastic). At his stage the tail is still not clear of the water although I have added an additional sacrificial lobe at the bottom of the tail.

When I have finished sailing, I then release the engine and lift it on to my ‘contraption’. It is then pretty much clear of the water, except perhaps, when some lowlife comes past at speed on a jet ski. Doing this seems be adequate and there is no damage/deterioration of the engine; and fairly straightforward to lift!

I can’t seem to upload any pics but I will look shortly to see if I can find your email and send them direct.

Regards

As my boat is a recent purchase and I'm a new member, I don't think I'm yet in the handbook.

Best regards

Ken