Engine Mounts?
 

How do i put engine mounts in a boat so i can mount the engine? i have a tunnel hull that has nothing in it. i was thinking of puting a inboard engine in it. thanks.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

I think you might want to reconsider on putting an inboard in a tunnel hull they are great boats with an outboard. Not trying to be rude just trying to help.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

To mount an engine you will need to install two 1/4" birch plywood rails in a vertical position, typically spaced 3" or 4" apart and centered on the keel line. The rails should run the full length of the engine compartment and be secured to the bulkheads in front of the compartment and behind the compartment as well as the compartment floor. Use epoxy and fiber glass cloth to reinforce the attachment. Be sure the interior of the hull is oil free and roughened up with about 180 grit sand paper to help the epoxy grip. The 3" or 4" comes from the width of the mount you use. The engine mount is secured between these rails with through bolts and 'T' nuts. I suggest you mock up the rail installation with the rails and the engine mount temporarily installed in the boat. Mark the engine mount to rail holes and drill them before you install the rails final.
Check out the Speedmaster engine mounts at www.rossisales.com. Seeing the mount will help you visualize the installation requirements.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

John has a very good descrition of the process. Some tunnels are fabricated different from others, could you post a few pics of your hull? I have built tunnels with a inboard engine, it was very fast on the straights. The turns were a little tricky, it had a problem with wanting to spinout. This could have been due to not having enough servo torque, never did try replacing it.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

ok. i'll go get some pictures of it. remember, this is a old hull and the inside is not clean.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...1/PA260016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...1/PA260017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...1/PA260018.jpg

like i said, its old

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

It looks like your gonna have to custom make your mounts. Build you some blocks that you can glass in along the insides of the hull, with the blind nuts. The longer you make the blocks the better off you'll be. The engine mounts, if your lucky you can modify to fit, by changing the spacers.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

Is your hull 2 pieces? If it is, it might be easier to split it so you don't have to glass it that tight of a spot. Just a thought. It might be harder to do that.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

ive decided that it would be easier to get a outboard. im lookin at a K&B 3.5 outboard. im goin to finish this winter.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

Think you'll be happer with the outboard, but nothing wrong with doing different things

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

Your decision to install an outboard is sound. When you mentioned a tunnel hull, I didn't picture an outboard style tunnel. I was imagining a small cat. Unless you have some building experience, an inboard installation will be a bear.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

how long is that boat. I have two bud light boats myself. Yours almost looks like a mixture of both. I got one 7.5 fiberglass and a 3.5 plastic.

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

the one i have pictured is about 24". its not fiberglass. i think the 3.5 outboard will be great on that boat. how fast do you think it will go?

RE: Engine Mounts?
 

Im not sure if you know this but that looks like mrp eletric version. Im sure you could still run it with a 3.5 on it. Im not sure how it would handle but should be pretty fast. The plastic one I got is the Mrp 3.5 version Its around 30" long.