Three different types of outboard motor mounts to add to your sailboat.
A sailboat that is drifting helplessly may present a picturesque scene; but, to its occupants, it's of scant comfort to know that a becalmed wind might eventually stir again to return their craft speedily to home port. On the other hand, if a sudden gale forces a captain to drop his sails, it is most comforting to be able to rely on auxiliary power in order to navigate through the blast. By means of one of these special transom mounts, an outboard motor can be adapted to any 12- to 30-ft. cruiser or sailboat to serve as auxiliary power in case of a breakdown in the weather or the main power plant. Even if you have excellent sailing weather, you ll find it much easier to moor in crowded anchorage or to navigate through a twisting channel with the aid of a small outboard motor. The article illustrates three types of mounts, which adapt different-sized outboard motors to various transoms. The mounts can be quickly built from scrap materials usually found in the basement or junkyard. In case the shaft of your outboard motor is too short, motor manufacturers are prepared to supply motors with longer shafts just for this purpose.
