A little extra trim can help, but then you make it tougher to pull out of the hole again if you have a bunch of people back there. There is also the lower the motor option, but that robs you from barefoot speed significantly.
Jim two posts back I have a question for you. Can you advise? I can get stainless bolts, 1/2" x 13, in 7" length, in 18-8 stainless steel. I can get them entirely or just partially threaded. Not sure if that matters, though. Extremely expensive stuff. I don't want to buy the wrong thing. There are a lot of options in terms of the size of the locknuts, but I think 5/16 tall by 3/4 wide in the 1/2 x 13 threat would work for the Nyloc nuts. I was surprised I could not find engine mounting bolts on the major marine supply websites.
Mark, Mine are 5 inches long. They are 1/2-13. That is a 5 inch grip length not including the head. They are about 5 3/8 including the head. I checked with my outboard guru and he suggested the fine thread bolts for a V-6. This is particularly important on the top where they are in tension. He has a pair of 6 inch (grip length--6 3/8 total length). I could over night them to you if you think they will work. He said he uses 5 inch to mount a 225 Optimax. The bolts are used. Kevin, I assumed that you are getting blow out because of the bank angle in the right turn out, is that true? jim
Jim Let me measure again tonight. I'm trying to figure out what "fine thread" is. Would 1/2x13 be fine thread? I can tell you that 5" will not work with the wedge. I've got thick alum plates on both sides of the transom, so my transom total width is pretty thick. There is very little thread showing on the 5" bolts I have now, which is why I think I'm going to need 7" bolts. I'll measure tonight and get back to you. I might want to buy those bolts from him if they will work. I'll let you know. Thanks! Mark
1/2 - 13 is national coarse. National fine is 1/2 - 20 I think. The bolts belong to a friend, but they are available. jim
Thanks Jim I just spoke with the service manager at the local marine dealer and he seems to think that 6" bolts are as long as I can get from OEM parts. I'll have to measure tonight, but I don't think 6" will be long enough, as hard to believe as that is. I could be wrong. Will advise.
Mark, Did you check out that first reference I gave you. They can probably get the length you need. jim
1/2-13 is coarse (13 threads per inch) 1/2-20 is fine (20 threads per inch) I am guessing that the 6" will be too short for you. I would go for 6-1/2" (if you can find it) or 7". Too much is better than not enough. If you have the option of getting the one that is not threaded all the way, that may work better, as long as there is enough thread to still tighten all the way. The smoother shaft will go in the hole more easily, and will have less chance of wallowing out the hole if the bolt comes loose.
It looks like what is on there are 1/2 x 20 bolts with the tapered, non-threaded tip. About 1/4 inch of threads remain beyond the nyloc nut on the top bolts right now, as it sits. The wedge is exactly one inch thick at the top. Thus, the same bolts in a 6" length should, I say should, work. I can have my wife see if they have them at the local marine dealer. Jim - I hadn't tried the source you gave me only because someone mentioned McMaster Carr, which is nearby, and they carry everything imaginable in bolts and fasteners. Problem is, I get lost with all the options... I'm waiting for my lift ring to arrive. Then I'll be all set. I appreciate all the help! Mark
