by Jett » Fri Mar 26, 2010 9:43 pm
One consideration regarding a rigid motor mount not mentioned here(seems I posted something about this once before) is the issue of tilting the motor up while underway. The rigid mount on my DS1 is, like others mentioned, positioned on the port side of the transom. I found that when using a long shaft outboard I have, I cannot quite get the prop out of the water when tilting the motor all the way forward (that's because the motor only tilts so far before hitting the top of the transom deck on the DS1). Since the mount is rigid and won't adjust, the tilt function of the typical outboard is compromised. Turning and twisting the motor may improve the position, but on my boat that only slightly helps.
I solved this with a short shaft which keeps the prop from dragging in the water when tilted, even though, as with the previous motor, the motor won't entirely tilt to its full position. Luckily, it stays in place with enough friction in the tilted position not to worry about, but I felt I had to tie the long shaft down (because it is heavier) in order to keep it from slipping down into an upright position while sailing.
Since the motors won't tilt fully, the locking pins won't engage. Still, even a rigid motor mount is a great device to keep the cowling/tiller out of the way of the traveler and other lines. Well worth it in my opinion.
Jett Conner