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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

4 Spring Motor Mount

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jduck00
Captain

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USA
313 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/22/2016 : 12:44:31

So I got the new 4 spring mount installed and its a beast. So much better than the old Garelick I had on there. Nothing against that brand, it was just old and busted. Three of the holes lined up so I only had 3 to plug and 3 to drill.

Here's my dilemma, my motor isn't heavy enough. I can't easily take the motor off and I wasn't going to pull the boat just to measure the motor weight... It comes in at 100lbs and is a little light. I can't push down hard enough to get the bottom lock on the mount. That last little bit is tough and I'm at a bad angle for it hanging over the stern. The difference in about 6-7 inches less motor in the water if I go with the first lock.

I'm not about to pull the mount back off. I was thinking about cutting one of the springs to take it down to a 3 spring. Any of you guys ever done that? There's no way to get the spring off, but I could snip it so that its got one less spring supporting.

Thoughts, ideas??

Jeremy Duck
The Lucky Duck
1980 SKSR Hull # 1850

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3367 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2016 : 21:22:49

I found that when I installed my 4 spring mount I had similar issue to what you are now experiencing and I have a Honda 4 stroke which is heavy. You can try what I did but of course, at your own risk !

I pushed down on top of the outboard with my foot and then somehow was able to lock it in the low position. I left it that way, locked in the low position for more than a day. That was back in 2005 and so I just cannot recall just how many days I kept it locked in the low position.

I found that after unlocking it, I still had a bear of a time getting it into that lower position but eventually, it became easier.

The other thing is that once it was locked in the lower position, it was hard to get it out of the locked position. I wound up having to push down on the bracket handle with my foot to release the lock.

These days, the outboard goes down into the locked position with a quick downward thrust using my hand. But I still use my foot to unlock it but that is now just a slight moderate push with my foot and it pops out of the lock by angling my foot a bit as I give it a foot nudge.

Hopefully, you will also be able to get it into the locked position to help relax the spring a bit if left for a few days in that low lock position.

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2016 : 03:48:39

Don't cut a spring, As Larry said the springs are new and need some stretching. If you want to make it a 3springer for a while you can release one of the springs off of a tube by prying it off with a large screwdriver. Later on you can put it back on as the springs get weaker and worn in or you buy a heavier motor.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

jduck00
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
313 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2016 : 05:42:53

Both good points. I hadn't thought about either. That's why I ask in here before I go and do something stupid. I think I'll pop one off for now and see how it works.

Jeremy Duck
The Lucky Duck
1980 SKSR Hull # 1850

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2016 : 07:36:04

To pop a spring off have the mount in the fully up position. This will relieve most of the tension then pick a spring with the easyest access and the least amount of a hook in it (the part that hooks around the tube) Put the screwdriver between the tube and spring and pry it off the tube. Watch your fingers because there is still some tension in the spring but will only unwind another inch or two then just leave it .