Outboard Replacement Motors: The Right Fit For Your Skiff
If you're looking for outboard replacement motors, finding the right motor is largely about finding the right fit for your skiff. Assessing how replacement outboard motors will impact the functionality, safety, and efficiency of your boat can be daunting.
Here are some steps to take when assessing how outboard replacement motors will work on your boat.
Factory Specs
Pairing replacement outboard motors with your boat should be about matching the factory specs of your boat and the motor(s) you're considering.
Boat Specs
Boat manufacturers are required to file detailed safety and performance specs before selling boats to the public. These specs included the recommended weight and size of motors designed for the boat. Because outboard replacement motors are likely to be after-market additions, you should always consult your owner's manual and/or contact your boat's manufacturer for detailed specs about your watercraft. It's important to take this step for both safety and potential insurance issues that might be caused by choosing the wrong outboard replacement motor.
Fitting Your Skiff
Even after you've consulted your boat's factory specs, you also need to consider how replacement outboard motors will physically fit on your boat and fit the way you like.
Transom Problems
Most outboard replacement motors are secured to the transom. This is the flat space at your boat's stern. The height, thickness, and slope of your transom can drastically impact how outboard replacement motors will physically fit your boat. If possible, affix the outboard replacement motors you're considering on your boat. When attempting to put the outboard replacement motor on your boat, it should be snug to your transom. If the outboard replacement motor doesn't quite fit your boat, you can consider adding a transom plate to modify how the motor is situated on your transom.
Height and Weight
Some boaters fail to consider the added weight and height of outboard replacement motors. Not only do you need to consider the height and weight for when you're on the water, but also getting your boat to and from your home. Always make sure that your vehicle has the towing capacity required by the added weight of the outboard replacement motor, while also making sure that your trailer is tall enough to keep the outboard replacement motor safely off the ground.
Boating
Your primary boating needs might be the last thing you consider when assessing available outboard replacement motors. The motors you're considering should be powerful enough, while also offering the types of efficiency features you need.
