sailboat transom bracket

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Pay My Bill
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter
• Give a Gift

How to Sell Your Boat

Cal 2-46: A Venerable Lapworth Design Brought Up to Date

Rhumb Lines: Show Highlights from Annapolis

Open Transom Pros and Cons

Leaping Into Lithium

The Importance of Sea State in Weather Planning

Do-it-yourself Electrical System Survey and Inspection

Install a Standalone Sounder Without Drilling

Rethinking MOB Prevention

Top-notch Wind Indicators

The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline

In Search of the Snag-free Clew

What’s Involved in Setting Up a Lithium Battery System?

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Breaking Point: What Can Go Wrong With Your Yanmar?

Mildew-resistant Caulks for Boats

Can We Trust Plastic Boat Parts?

Repairing Molded Plastics

Mailport: Marine plywood, fuel additives, through bolt options, winch handle holders

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

Choosing and Securing Seat Cushions

Cockpit Drains on Race Boats

Rhumb Lines: Livin’ the Wharf Rat Life

Resurrecting Slippery Boat Shoes

Shoe Goo’s Gift to Sailors

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Clear Plastic

• Systems & Propulsion
• Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Transom Brackets For Small Outboards: Fulton Rates Best

In our test of eight transom-mounted brackets, the fulton was the easiest to operate. garelick's model for motors up to 20 hp earns runner-up honors, and omc's unit deserves consideration..

The most common form of auxiliary propulsion for small sailboats is the outboard motor. On some boats, it is mounted in a well forward of the transom. Such arrangements conceal and protect the motor but may not allow it to be tilted up to get the prop out of the water when sailing. More common, perhaps is the mounting of a bracket on the transom. These generally have two positions—up and down—for lowering the motor’s prop into the water, and raising it. Brackets should be strong, durable, and, most importantly, easy to operate without having to hang out over the transom.

What Was Tested We rounded up eight brackets from five manufacturers—Fulton, Garelick, Triangle, Minn Kota and Outboard Motor Corp. (OMC). Prices ranged from $95 to $380. All are manually operated, except for the electrically powered Minn Kota.

Early on we discovered that your choice depends not only on the outboard’s horsepower and weight but also on whether it’s a two- or four-stroke. We understood why weight and horsepower make a difference but weren’t sure why a four-stroke would require a special, and subsequently more expensive, bracket.

“It’s the increased torque and thrust of a four-stroke,” said Jayson Klade, a Fulton Industries technical representative. The four-stroke’s greater force imposes more stress on the bracket; therefore it needs to be stronger than a bracket for a two-stroke.

How We Tested The main criteria for evaluation was ease of use, but also considered was the ease of assembly and mounting, quality of materials, price and instructions. We noted how sturdy each bracket was by shaking the motor from side to side and fore and aft while placing the bracket in several positions—a “wiggle test,” if you will. We also measured the range of motion, or vertical distance, of each.

To test, we collaborated with our sister publication, Powerboat Reports, whose editor owns a 21′ walkaround with a large outboard; his interest was mounting a small backup “kicker.”We had a local machine shop weld up a stainless steel plate that could be bolted to his boat’s transom and used to mount the brackets.

Three motors were used—a 2000 Nissan 5-hp four-stroke, a 1980’s-era 9.9-hp Mercury two-stroke and a 1970’s 15-hp Evinrude. We hauled the boat, mounted each bracket and tried all three outboards on each one.

What Was Found The three Garelick models, the four-stroke Fulton model and the OMC bracket included 3″ bolts; the other Fulton bracket came with 2-1/4″ bolts, too short for the 2-1/2″ thick transom. This was annoying as no one likes to interrupt a project with a trip to the hardware store.

Minn Kota and Triangle included no hardware.

Instructions that came with most of the brackets were fairly good, advising where to mount them so the outboard could perform properly. Minn Kota failed to offer this information, and the Triangle came with no directions.

All but one bracket—the two-stroke Fulton—offered clearance between the motor and the bracket handle when tilted. Most used some sort of spring as its primary lifting and lowering mechanism. All except the Triangle and Minn Kota included raised strips of polypropylene or stainless steel on the mounting boards to prevent the motor from sliding off.

We were surprised that OMC and Garelick’s instructions advised that the motor be taken off before trail-ering the boat. We figured the brackets would face much more stress at sea than rolling down the highway. But representatives from both companies told us otherwise. A bump in the road can cause more damage than a large wave, they said.

“The G-forces are greater on the road,” said Dean Devore, OMC director of product development.

Only one bracket, the four-stroke Garelick, came with a safety harness to prevent the motor from sinking to the bottom if it came off the bracket.

All Fulton and Garelick models offered at least four levels to adjust outboard trim. Two of the three Garelicks—the up-to-8 hp and up-to-20 hp models—included flange-type brackets that allow you to convert the unit from a negative transom setup (an angle greater than 90°) to a positive transom (an angle less than 90°, seen mostly on sailboats). But the conversion involves swapping the brackets, reversing their position and adjusting the springs. Each of the five adjustment holes represents a 7° increment.

With most of the coil-spring models, you must be very careful while operating the bracket when it is not mounted on the boat. The force of the springs is so great that you could seriously injure yourself if you trigger the release with a finger or hand inside the mechanism. Garelick’s instructions provide several warnings; Fulton’s instructions do not.

Fulton: Two-strokes up to 10 hp We found this model extremely difficult to raise, so much so that we had to put our left knee on top of the transom and our right foot in the motor well to gain enough leverage to move it. The difficulty stems from the unit’s lack of springs and the fact that you must simultaneously push the one-arm lever aft and up, which is very awkward. Lowering the unit wasn’t much easier.

Fulton representative Jayson Klade said the company recognizes this problem and may discontinue this model because of it. He said he has had calls from older owners who have had trouble moving a 2-hp outboard on this bracket.

The unit itself is solidly built, with an anodized aluminum bracket and a polypropylene mounting board. However, the bolts used to secure this board to the bracket were rusted. We suggest replacing them with stainless steel.

This was the only bracket that presented clearance problems. The Evinrude 15’s steering arm hit the bracket’s lever handle, and the Mercury’s choke smacked it when the motor was tilted.

Bottom Line: Not recommended, mainly due to the difficulty we encountered raising and lowering the unit.

Fulton: Two- and Four-strokes up to 30 hp This model, also anodized aluminum, was much easier to operate than its little brother, due to its four springs, 1-3/4″ wider stance and larger, two-arm lever. With all three engines, we needed only one hand to operate it.

However, we found two drawbacks. First, installation requires shimming (placing a 1″- to 2″-thick block of wood or aluminum between it and the transom) if mounted below the rubrail and on a flat transom, such as ours. Without a shim, the lever handle will hit the transom. In addition, shimming may require longer mounting bolts. Second, the springs obstruct eight of the 12 mounting holes, making installation more difficult. (Use a long screwdriver to bend the spring ends out of the way.) Fulton recognizes this design flaw and is working on it, said Klade.

Bottom Line: Recommended. The easiest to operate.

Garelick: Two-strokes up to 8 hp The body of this unit is stainless steel. Its four torsion springs helped us lift and lower it easily. You can also lessen the spring tension by cutting up to three of the four springs if lowering the bracket is too difficult due to the use of a light motor.

Click here to view the Transom Brackets Value Guide.

Our main complaint with this bracket was the sloppy play (fore and aft) in the up position encountered during the wiggle test. Even with its locking mechanism engaged, the bracket afforded too much play.

Bottom Line: Easy to use but its sloppy play is a drawback.

Garelick: Two-strokes to 20 hp This is essentially the same bracket as the smaller Garelick, except its longer body gives greater vertical travel, and it includes eight springs instead of four. We encountered no wobbling and found it to be even easier to operate than the smaller Garelick.

Bottom Line: Recommended. Only the Fulton four-stroke model is easier to operate.

Garelick: Two- and Four-strokes up to 30 hp This model is well-made and the only one equipped with two locks and a safety harness. Unfortunately, we had great difficulty lowering all three outboards.

The motors were not heavy enough to overcome the unit’s spring-loaded tension. Garelick says it becomes easier after you get the feel for it. We never did. The company does not advise cutting the springs on this model, so we have little confidence that it will work with motors up to 15 hp. We’d only use it for heavier motors, such as those from 20 to 30 hp.

We also discovered that this unit requires shimming to be installed on a boat with a flat transom. (Like the small Fulton, we were only able to mount it because the stainless steel plate acted as a shim.) The directions do point this out: “Add a 1″ shim if the release handle is at or below the rubrail or the top of the transom.” But some of the diagrams show a successful mounting on a flat transom. This is misleading and confusing to the installer.

Note: Garelick listed the wrong telephone number in the directions. The correct number is listed at the end of this story.

Bottom Line: Recommended only for use with engines from 20 hp to 30 hp.

OMC: Two- and Four-strokes up to 15 hp Unlike the Fulton and Garelick brackets, this model operates with a gas-filled cylinder. It was easy to operate, accomplished by moving a small lever with a red handle to positions marked “raise” or “lower.” To lower, simply jerk the motor up slightly and push down; to raise, push down on the motor, and the lift unlocks and rises. However, unlike most of the others, the OMC does not have multiple positions for engine trim—only two, up and down.

“We’ve found that most people only use one level anyway,” said OM’s Devore. “Rarely do they want to change settings.” For $380, the most expensive motor lift in our group, the consumer might prefer this option. (The device’s shock alone costs about $100, according to Devore.)

Like Garelick, OMC warns against trailer travel with the engine on the boat. It goes a step further, though, advising the owner to attach a rope to the engine in “choppy water,” suggesting to us that the manufacturer is not very confident of its product. “Perhaps that could be worded better; we are just being overly cautious,” said Devore.

OMC recently introduced a larger bracket made of die-cast aluminum (the model we tested is a combination of die-cast and stamped aluminum) for outboard motors up to 125 pounds that retails for $380.

Bottom Line: Works very well, but price is a drawback.

Triangle: Up to 10 hp This unit came without hardware or directions. Its wooden mounting board is susceptible to rotting because raw wood is exposed on the inside of its four mounting holes. In addition, we couldn’t safely attach the 9.9-hp Mercury because the 7″-wide mounting board was too narrow. The circular pads of the engine’s bolts hung off the plate. With no directions, we weren’t sure whether this bracket could hold four-stroke engines. We called Triangle, and a representative ruled them out.

Another concern is the spring on this stainless steel unit; it failed to hold the weight of the Nissan and Mercury motors. We discovered this abruptly when the Nissan came crashing down after we had released the locking mechanism. Needless to say, we believe that this bracket needs a stronger spring.

Bottom Line: Not recommended, due to its weak spring, very narrow and unprotected wooden mounting board.

Minn Kota: Two- and Four-strokes up to 20 hp This was the only electrically powered (12V) bracket tested. We found installation easy, the directions simple and the motor, which turns a jack screw to raise and lower the mounting board, worked effectively.

Even though this unit is listed in the West Marine catalog, it is not intended for saltwater use, which explains the steel components (only the mounting board is anodized aluminum). Minn Kota may come out with a saltwater version in 2002, said spokesman Dave Golladay.

We thought the electrical connections were inadequate (for salt- or freshwater use), especially the two spade connectors that attach to the unit’s motor. They are directly exposed to the water.

The silicone meant to protect the motor’s housing was sloppily applied, hanging off and failing to cover certain spots.

The Minn Kota flunked our wiggle test. The two arms attached to the jack screw don’t offer enough support. We would attach a third arm—there’s room.

The jack screw is a potential problem, too, because it sticks out when the unit is up, leaving it open to be struck by the corner of a dock or other solid structure. Golladay said, “These are all very good points. We’re trying to enhance that product line. Our primary focus is trolling motors.”

Bottom Line: Not recommended. An automatic bracket is a great idea, and one we’d like to see developed, but the Minn Kota’s subpar materials and construction make it difficult to recommend.

Conclusion The Fulton four-stroke bracket is our top choice for any size outboard. It does require some shimming, but its solid construction and ease of use place it ahead of the pack.

Our runner-up, the Garelick (up to 20 hp) was extremely easy to use, and it’s $60 less than the Fulton. But it’s limited to two-stroke engines, which leads us to this point: Because four-strokes are becoming more popular, it does not make sense for manufacturers to continue producing brackets for two-stroke use only. We think it only confuses the consumer. (For instance, we’ve received reader letters asking why some motor lifts are restricted to two-stroke motors.)

Case in point: A 5-hp four-stroke does not produce as much torque as a 20-hp two-stroke, and yet the Garelick (up to 20 hp) restricts all four-strokes.

The OMC bracket was also impressive, but you have to be willing to pay. The smallest Garelick worked well, but its failure in the wobble test is a concern.

We don’t think you should consider the other models because they had, in our opinion, too many flaws.

Contacts- Fulton Performance Products, Inc., 50 Indianhead Drive, P.O. Box 8, Mosinee, WI 54455; 715/693-1700. Garelick, PO Box 8, 644 2nd St., St. Paul Park, MN 55071; 651/459-9795. Minn Kota, Johnson Outdoors, 706 Holly Lane, Mankato, MN 56001; 800/227-6433. OMC, 3225 Prairie Ave., Beloit, WI 53511; 847/689-5630. Triangle, Inc., 51 Fernwood Lane, Roslyn, NY 11576; 516/365-8143.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

i have a 19 foot sail boat with a 5 hp nissan ob. the Garelic a bracket MN 10470 (not sure of MN). The main issue is the grommets spacers corrode within 2 seasons . I sail in salt/brackish water. I complained and they gave me a discount on another one they said better modle. It did the same thing. Not sure what to get now that I purchaesed a 6 hp Tahatsu that is heavier 55lbs.

Anyone know where I can buy a gas cyclinder for the OMC bracket

Darrell, what about short shaft vs long shaft outboards? Can I use my short shaft 15 Hp Evinrude on a sailboat with a bracket?

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

How To Make Starlink Better On Your Boat | Interview

Catalina 380: What You Should Know | Boat Review

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Building Custom Brackets Since 2000

Transom and kicker/auxiliary brackets custom tailored to fit your needs and boat in order to securely mount your outboard motor.

Enhance the Performance of Your Boat

We build transom brackets to fit the transom of your boat for your outboard motor to be mounted. We also custom build Auxilliary outboard brackets to accommodate a trolling or kicker motor. Whatever your needs, we are here to provide the best product.

Outboard Transom Brackets

• Single, Twin or Catamaran application for all manufacturer models
• Swim Platforms: port and/or starboard platforms
• Standard Flotation, Stage 2 Flotation, or Full Flotation
• Auxiliary Motor Mount Built-in on Port and/or Starboard
• Can be customized to specific needs
• Swim or Dive Ladders can be added
• Rigging Tubes

Kicker and Auxiliary Brackets

• Transom mounted bracket standard 20" setback with 11.5" clamp board for up to 20hp and 200 lbs
• Platform mounted bracket standard 16" reach with 11.5" clamp board for up to 20hp and 200 lbs
• Heavy Duty brackets with 15" clamp boards are available for up to 30hp and 250 lbs
• Custom alterations can be made to order

For more pictures, visit our social pages or contact us for additional product pictures.

High-quality, Custom Brackets For Your Boat

We use the lines and measurements of your boat to enhance its appearance while keeping in mind how the boat is used and how our products can help your boat perform better.

We use only the best Marine Grade materials in the construction and welding of our products.

Coatings and Color

Brackets are primed and powder coated to match your boat using only the best products and methods.

All bracket orders include non-skid and deck plates installed and heavy-duty backing plates. Brackets are ready to install onto your boat transom.

Bracket installation can be made available at our location. We can also give mounting recommendations and order install kits for your bracket.

Our Clients

Factory Supplier of Brackets To The Following Brands

Going Where No Engine Has Gone Before…

The porta hydraulic transom bracket.

Moving  More   Horsepower  More   Distance With the  Strongest   Hydraulic Transom Lift in the Industry

Straight up, and straight down

Allowing boaters more access to shallow water and unparalleled navigability.

The Porta Hydraulic Transom Bracket goes where no engine bracket has gone before. Straight up and straight down. It lifts from one to five outboard motors…effortlessly…hydraulically. What makes it unique is that it lifts the motors vertically, up to 22″, with setbacks of 17″-21″-26″. This allows boaters more access to shallow water and unparalleled navigability. The Porta Bracket also allows the gearcase to be raised above the bottom of the boat without tilting, allows the propulsion line to remain parallel with the direction of the boat, and eliminates the need for lower unit anti-fouling paint. The Porta Bracket is constructed of rugged aircraft aluminum. It features one hydraulic cylinder per outboard, each with 5,000 lbs of lift. It’s like having a setback bracket and an extreme jackplate in one dependable product with 3 times the vertical range of anything else out there.

Multiple Applications

From fishing to commercial and even racing, our transom bracket is designed to work flawlessly in any scenario.

Fishing Series

Looking to access shallow water? Our fishing series is for you. What makes it unique is that it lifts the motors vertically, up to 22″, with setbacks of 17″,21″, or 26″. This allows boaters more access to shallow water and unparalleled navigability.

Commercial Series

Our commercial series gives you all the benefits of our fishing series with the added benefit of strength. This bracket is as heavy duty as it comes with two hydraulic cylinders per engine. Which provides up to 10,000 lbs of lift. Powerful enough to carry up to 600 HP.

Racing Series

The Racing series is designed for the 100 MPH+ applications that require a rock solid mount for your high HP motor(s). The setback range is 8″, 10″ & 12″, providing 2 1/4″ to 6 1/2″ of vertical travel respectively. This specifically designed to improve handling and top speed.

What is a Sailboat Transom?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

In sailing terms, a transom is the flat vertical section at the back of the boat. Outboard motors are mounted to the transom.

The transom is a structural and stylistic part of the sailboat. Additionally, most of the transom is visible from above the waterline. Outboard motors are almost always mounted to the transom. Powerboats, such as runabouts and ski boats, usually also have a transom.

Table of contents

What is the Transom Used For?

Transoms are an integral part of a sailboat's hull, and they also happen to be a very useful mounting point for all kinds of equipment. Transoms are used to mount outboard motors, antennas, and sometimes the rudder.

What Kind of Boat has a Transom?

Virtually every kind of modern vessel has a transom. Watercraft that utilize this design feature include speedboats, houseboats, fishing vessels, cargo ships, warships, and (of course) sailboats. Transoms are common because they simplify the construction process of boats and ships. The transom design commonly found on sailboats became popular during the 20th century.

Previously, shipbuilders utilized complex and attractive lines on the vessel's stern. These lines made watercraft more aesthetically pleasing, but they required complex framing and a highly skilled workforce. The introduction of the flat transom design greatly reduced boat construction cost, time, and complexity.

How to Identify a Sailboat Transom

Locating and identifying the transom of a sailboat is easy. The transom is located at the rear of the vessel and is sometimes referred to as the "stern" of the boat. Using this terminology for the transom is only half correct, as the transom itself is just one piece of the stern.

What does the Transom of a Sailboat Look Like?

The transom of a sailboat is often a wide, flat surface located on the outside of the vessel's stern. It's the place where you'll often find the name and home port of the vessel, along with a number of stern-mounted utilities.

Transoms come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the design and purpose of the boat. They can be square, round, small, large, and shaped like virtually anything. However, most modern sailing vessels use relatively simple rounded-rectangle transoms.

Is the Transom located Above the Waterline?

Yes, the majority of the transom is located above the waterline (assuming the sailboat is still afloat). Some transoms, especially on more elegant yachts, are smaller and preceded by a dramatic upward-sloping stern.

Some sailboats, such as schooners, often utilize more elegant transom designs. Early yachts of the Edwardian period are known for their dramatic sterns and elegant transoms.

Sailboat Transom Styling

Sailboat transoms vary significantly in styling, though the simplest designs are usually more common. Many sailboat transoms are not completely flat. Instead, they often sport a slight outward bow or curve.

Additionally, sailboat transoms do not always have a perfect 90-degree vertical orientation. Instead, they often slope backward or forwards. This design feature has many names, including the 'launch-style' stern.

Types of Sailboat Sterns

The primary types of sailboat sterns are the transom stern (as described above) and the canoe stern. Transom stern sailboats are far more common today due to their simplicity, utility, and relative ease of construction.

Canoe-stern sailboats don't have what most people would consider a transom. Instead, these vessels are pointed on both ends—bow, and stern. And while there are some advantages to canoe-stern designs, they lack the simple utility of a flat stern.

Advantages of a Transom Stern Sailboat

The transom stern is the most popular sailboat configuration today, and for a good reason—as we mentioned earlier, there's a lot to be said about utilizing a clean, flat surface at the rear of the boat.

Given the proliferation of outboard motors, it's extremely useful to have a flat and strong surface to work with. This is especially important on larger sailboats that don't come equipped with inboard motors.

The transom adds an increased layer of strength and structural rigidity to the hull. Additionally, the transom stern opens up numerous hull design possibilities and allows designers to focus on stability, experiment with new materials, and utilize modern hull forms.

A sailboat with a transom is much easier to construct than a canoe-type vessel, especially when using traditional materials. What once took weeks of careful lofting, planing, cutting, and steaming is now accomplished with a laser cutter and a single piece of heavy-duty plywood.

Transom-Mounted Outboard Motors

Outboard motors are tricky to mount on canoe-stern vessels, as there's no flat place to put the motor. A sailboat transom negates this issue entirely. Many sailboats between 20 and 30 feet in length have one (or more) outboard motors mounted to the stern.

Outboard Placement

When under sail, many sailboat owners retract their outboard from the water to avoid creating drag and throwing the boat off course. This is especially true on boats with a transom-mounted rudder, as the outboard can never be placed in the middle of the transom.

Outboard placement doesn't matter very much on a transom sailboat, as sailors can steer with the vessel's rudder while under power. Many sailboat outboards aren't designed to move side to side—instead, they're mounted in a fixed position on a retractable bracket.

Retractable Brackets

Maritime engineers spent decades devising all kinds of sailboat outboard motor brackets. Today, you can find virtually any kind of bracket to mount an outboard to your transom. Some brackets allow you to steer from the outboard, but many do not.

Brackets for larger sailboats often swing out and up rather than hinging on a single point. This allows sailors to move the outboard completely out of the way and elevate it, which keeps the equipment dry while underway.

Other transom-mounted outboard motor brackets are typically manually-operated, and sometimes utilize levers, gears, or hydraulics to reduce the strength required to lift the motor out of the water. On high-end boats, electrically-operated outboard brackets take the weight off entirely.

Sailboat Transom Structure

The structural significance of sailboat transoms cannot be overstated. These mostly flat sections of material are often one of the thickest parts of the boat. This is especially true on powerboats, where much of the engine force is transmitted to the hull through the transom.

An easy way to understand this concept is to examine the transom of a typical aluminum 'John Boat.' Most of these boats have additional support brackets at the base of the transom, along with a thick piece of oak or mahogany located around the motor mounts.

What is a Sailboat Transom Transom Made Of?

Sailboat transoms are usually made out of a thicker piece of its hull material . Wooden sailboats often use two or three layers of thick plywood to make the transom, as it's also the rearmost mounting point for hull frames and planks.

Fiberglass sailboat transoms are, as you would expect, made of fiberglass. However, fiberglass boats often incorporate a structural form beneath the glass and resin. Form materials are usually either balsa wood, plywood, or another composite. Layered fiberglass transoms are strong and long-lasting.

However, fiberglass transoms are not impervious, especially when water finds its way into the wooden core. This usually happens due to cracks, accidents, and neglect. If the wood behind the fiberglass rots, it compromises the structural integrity of the transom.

Is a Cracked Transom a Big Deal?

Yes, a cracked transom can be a very big deal on sailboats and powerboats alike. A crack in the transom is usually formed by stress or manufacturing defects, and it's akin to a crack in any other structural part of the boat.

It's essential to ensure that the transom of your sailboat is structurally sound, regardless of its build material. Check the transom for cracks, soft spots, deformities, and rot before purchasing a sailboat or venturing out on the water.

Sailboat Transom Repairs

So, your transom needs some work. Is it worth scrapping the boat, or can it be saved? Generally speaking, a sailboat with a damaged transom isn't automatically relegated to the scrap heap.

Transom repair cost and procedure vary depending on what the boat is made of. Wooden, steel, and aluminum sailboat transom repairs generally require a higher skill level than fiberglass boats.

Most boatyards can repair virtually any kind of damage to a fiberglass sailboat transom as long as you're willing to pay for it. Remember, the cheapest way to repair your transom is to maintain it before it leaks, cracks, or rots.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Sailboat Parts

Learn About Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboat Ornaments

September 12, 2023

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

December 11, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

• OEM Replacement Fuel & Water Tanks
• Custom Tank Order Forms
• Our Marine Fuel Tanks
• High Flotation Single Engine Brackets
• Apex Single Flat Bottom Brackets
• High Flotation Twin Engine Brackets
• Apex Twin Flat Bottom Engine Brackets
• Triple Engine Bracket
• Brackets by Boat Make & Model
• Custom Engine Brackets Order Form
• Llebrock leaning Posts
• Jon Boat Leaning Posts
• Leaning Posts

Standard High Flotation Single Outboard Engine Bracket - 13° Transom

• Local pickup available
• Over-sized & over-weight item.
• Call us Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. if in any doubt.
• In stock, ready to ship
• Inventory on the way

If an outboard engine bracket is the ultimate add-on for most outboard-equipped boats, this particular one will up the ante in almost all respects. You will not only benefit from a substantial increment in speed and fuel range without having to replace your existing outboard engine but you’ll also get away with repowering with a much powerful, and potentially heavy one, if you choose to. Your stance at rest will be at a flatter angle as the extra flotation volume, applied just at the right spot for maximum leverage, could help compensate for the extra weight of the bigger engine, but more than that you will indeed gain a flatter running angle, mostly due to the generous setback of this bracket. With that, you will gain a more efficiently running hull and a considerably drier cockpit

You will benefit from also having an overall better handling boat and one that can shoot out of the hole usually in half the time it used to take with the old engine placement. It will also make your boat safer offering a way lower platform from which to push yourself up to the deck when in the water as well as the ideal place where to affix an available as an option swim ladder. 

Our fabricators have been putting together engine brackets almost since they become a thing in deep-V offshore racing boats, whose roots can be followed back to our base in sunny Miami, arguably the US cradle of the class. We learned the ropes at the elbow of the greats back when Thunder Alley (NE 188th St.) was a barren expanse and three large warehouses where the fastest and meanest boats in the world were hand-built, and have maintained, through different iterations, an uninterrupted presence in the Southern Florida boating scene ever since.

And there’s nothing small-time about our outboard engine bracket products as our stuff is sold as OEM to most of all Greater Miami-based boat manufacturers and some of the biggest in upstate Florida, and we have type certifications from the NMMA and the ABYC. If you have outboard engine bracket questions don’t hesitate and do contact us for a no-compromise consultation.

Note:  Please be advised that all of our brackets are made to order and ship via expensive LTL freight so we won't accept returns. Check your boat's measurements carefully and make sure your order perfectly reflects what you want.

Highlights:

• This standard bracket's design is optimized for 13-degree transom angles.
• All of the standard bracket models are typically in stock and ship faster than the custom models. Average door-to-door transit times to the contiguous US should be within the 3 weeks time frame. This item ships freight only, and we can only ship it to commercial addresses for this reason.
• All-aluminum construction using 0.375” (transom and engine plates) and 0.250” (rest of the structure) thick cold-formed Alcoa 5052 H32 series sheets.
• 54 gallons of added flotation volume in the deep-vee-shaped airbox for added dynamic stability and a flatter standstill attitude. 
• Exclusive dual-electrostatic powdered-coatings: primer + gloss powder coating for the ultimate in   marine environment protection. We first apply an electrostatic primer coat, oven-cure it, and then apply a thick, high mil powder coating for the final external coating. No other competitor in the market goes that far to ensure your new bracket's appearance and durability.
• Awlgrip Sandtex textured, anti-slip treatment to the platform's top surface to ensure perfect traction, safety, and durability when wet.
• Standard 2 x 3.75-inch saltwater specific sacrificial anodes (zincs).
• Twist-off, wide 8-inch easy access marine spec hatch.
• Includes all mounting aluminum backing plates, SS screws, and SS nuts.
• 3-year limited warranty.

Due to this item's size and weight we can only ship it in an economical way via Less Than Truckload (LTL) consolidated land shipping, and only to the contiguous 48 States.

For shipping inquiries to AK, HI, PR, US-VI, and international shipping, please contact us first at [email protected].

All of the destinations above we can only serve as a Free Carrier (or FCA) modality, that requires the customer to contract and pay for their carrier service of choice. We can still ship the item, but only to a warehouse/receiving office within the 48-contiguous States.

In plain terms what this means is that if you want to ship your product to any non-contiguous US territory or internationally, you, the customer, has to provide us with the warehouse address of the carrier that serves your locality with an address within the contiguous 48-US States, as we do not ship overseas on our own.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You may also like

Recently viewed

Item added to your cart

Nextwave Marine

Single Engine Bracket With Platform Flat Bottom

Couldn't load pickup availability

Outboard Motor Bracket With Swim Platform

Nextwave Marine Builds outboard engine brackets for any size vessel and shape, including houseboats and pontoon boats.   We can build and design anything from a single engine to quadruple brackets.  If you imagine it we can build it.   

Aluminum Brackets with or without Swim Platforms are designed and built for the boat that is being installed on.  Brackets are designed to help your vessel improve it’s navigation stability, speed and comfort with eye-catching designs to improve the look of your boat. 

• Swim Platform Length up to 72" 
• Setback 28"  
• Flotation Style box 
• 6” Screw in deck lid with seal 
• drain plug  
• Non-skid in white 
• Motor mount pre-drilled holes 

NOTE:  Transoms with Curved or Notch  are priced differently than standard flat transom.  A curve or notch transom means when looking at the boat horizontally some have a curve or outward notch.   

If you need Outboard Motor Bracket without the platform? Check out it out here.

For all of our outboard motor brackets with swim platform we offer in-house installation, dismount and mounting of the engine to the new bracket.

• Dive ladder Mount ( Ladder not included)
• Underneath Ladder mounts ( Ladder not included)
• Rigging Tubes 
• Installation Hardware/  Stainless steel ½” Bolts, lock nuts and washer, Aluminum Backing plates, mounting template, 

Any questions or concern contact us at 305-699-4090 or by email at [email protected]

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

FREE  Shipping on most orders over $200 *

• EPROPULSION ELECTRIC OUTBOARDS
• BOAT BUILD KITS & PARTS
• DECKING & FLOORING
• LIVEWELL SYSTEMS
• STEERING CONSOLES
• TROLLING MOTORS & ACCESSORIES
• LITHIUM BATTERIES
• AUTOBOAT GPS TM ANCHOR KIT
• SUZUKI OUTBOARDS - IN STOCK
• BOAT BUILD TRAINING
• CLOTHING & DECALS
• MOST POPULAR
• CLEARANCE SALE
• Boats For Sale
• BOAT BUILDING CLASS
• FACEBOOK GROUP (TBN)
• YOUTUBE CHANNEL
• TEAM MEMBERS
• OUR LOCATIONS
• 404-720-3975

Your Cart is Empty

• $0.00 Subtotal

Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout

*FREE Shipping over $200*

Oversized/Hazmat Items Do Not Apply

• SHOP BOAT PARTS
• TINY BOAT ACCESSORIES
• ALUMINUM PARTS
• BOAT HARDWARE
• FISHFINDERS & GPS
• ANCHORING & DOCKING
• FLOTATION & SAFETY
• BOAT COVERS
• TRAILER GEAR
• BUILD CONSULTATION

The Leaders in Tiny Boat Propulsion

• JOIN THE CREW

Take our Boat Building MasterClass

Let Us Build your Boat

Nate's Custom Boats

Transom Mounting Bracket

Notify me when this product is available:

Custom Outboard Mounting Bracket

• 1/8" Thick Aluminum Transom Bracket to securely mount your outboard and reinforce the critical part of your transom.
• Designed for the common jon boat and V-Hull transom at 1.5 to 1.75" Thickness. Extra Wide 2" available for thicker transoms.  
• 11" Tall - 12.5" Wide - Frontside bracket is 6"
• Custom sizing is currently UNAVAILABLE.
• Built by Nate's Custom Boats

Customer Reviews

My transom is actually 1 7/8” I ordered a 1 1/2” thinking tight would be better than loose … wrong

The transom support bracket is a much-needed support for the outboard motor.

Pricy but worth the money beefed up the flexing transom very well.

Outboard Motor Brackets

Max. 35 HP, 10″ Lift, Aluminum . 55-0410

SKU: 550410

• Adjust your trolling or auxiliary motor to five vertical running positions for changing water or load conditions.
• The anodized aluminum bracket is built to handle the increased weight and torque output of today’s four strokes with long or short shafts.
• Hand-adjustable with just the turn of a knob, stainless steel torsion springs counterbalance motor weight making adjustments a breeze, while the 2”-thick, extra-wide mounting board, along with aircraft-type stainless steel hardware deliver heavy-duty performance.
• Handles up to 35 HP, 263 lbs. motors with 10″ of travel. Meets ABYC Standards. (Do not use without Panther 55-0415 safety cable—included.)

55-0410 Spec Sheet

55-0410 hole pattern, 55-0410 owner's manual, max. 35 hp, 16″ lift, aluminum  55-0416.

SKU: 550416

• Adjust your trolling or auxiliary motor to four vertical running positions for changing water or load conditions.
• Handles up to 35 HP, 263 lbs. motors with 16″ of travel. Meets ABYC Standards. (Do not use without Panther 55-0415 safety cable—included.)

55-0416 Spec Sheet

55-0416 hole pattern, 55-0416 owner's manual , max. 15 hp, 10″ lift, aluminum  55-0407al.

SKU: 550407AL

Adjustable outboard motor bracket is designed for 2- and 4-stroke motors up to 15 HP or 132 lbs. Constructed of hard-coat anodized aluminum and hand adjustable with the turn of a knob.

Stainless steel torsion springs counterbalance the motor weight making adjustments a breeze. 10″ of travel and 5 vertical running positions let you fine tune the motor height for optimal performance. Meets ABYC Standards. (Do not use without Panther 55-0415 safety cable—included.)

55-0407AL Spec Sheet

55407al hole pattern,   55-0407al owner's manual, max. 15 hp 4-stroke & 20 hp 2-stroke, 11″ lift, stainless steel  55-0408ss.

SKU: 550408SS

Adjustable Stainless Steel outboard motor bracket. Works with 4-Stroke motors up to 15hp or 2-Stroke motors up to 20hp, max weight 132lbs. Twist-knob Safety Locks provide increased torque rating while helping secure bracket in place. Built extra-tough and extra-wide for secondary, higher-torque, four-stroke engines. Motor’s weight is counterbalanced by heavy-duty stainless steel torsion springs for easy lifting. The 55-0408SS boasts a 2″ thick, weatherproof and maintenance-free polypropylene mounting board along with aircraft-type stainless steel hardware. Four-position lock bar and 11″ of travel allow for a better range of trim adjustment letting you fine-tune motor height for optimal performance.  Meets ABYC Standards. (Do not use without Panther 55-0415 safety cable—included.) Rated for long or short shaft engines.

Setback: 8 3/4″ in the up position and 14″ in the down position

55-0408SS Spec Sheet

55-0408ss hole pattern, 55-0408ss owner's manual, max. 20 hp, 11″ lift, aluminum  55-0021.

SKU: 550021

• The adjustable outboard motor bracket is designed for motors up to 20HP or 115 lbs max weight.
• Heavy duty, light weight aluminum is designed for fresh water use on both power boats and sail boats.
• Manual operation means no power is required to raise and lower your auxiliary outboard motor.
• Spring loaded (11″ of travel with 5 stops).
• Motor pad is 8.5″ x 10.5″ x 1.75″
• Do not use without Panther safety cable 55-0415— NOT included.

Do not use with 4 stroke engine.

55-0021 Spec Sheet

55-0021 hole pattern, 550021 owner's manual, max. 12 hp, 14″ lift, aluminum  55-0012.

SKU: 550012

• Same design as the 55-0021.
• This heavy duty, lightweight aluminum bracket is designed for motors up to 12hp or 82lbs max weight
• Spring loaded (14”of travel with 5 stops.)
• Do not use without Panther safety cable 55-0415—NOT included.)

Not to be used with 4 stroke engines.

55-0012 Spec Sheet

55-0012 hole pattern, 55-0012 owner's manual, max. 10 hp, 14″ lift, stainless steel  55-0010.

SKU: 550010

• The Adjustable outboard motor bracket is designed for motors up to 10HP or 80 lbs max weight.
• Stainless steel construction is non-corrosive for saltwater use.
• Designed for use with power or sail boats.
• Manual lifting required to raise and lower your motor (14″ travel)
• Setback in upper position 7 1/2″, lower position  9 1/2″ Motor pad is 8.5″ x 10.5″ x 1.75″

Do not use with 4 stroke engine. Use safety cable. 

55-0010 Spec Sheet

55-0010 owner's manual, swim platform outboard motor bracket.

SKU: 550030

• Adjustable outboard motor bracket designed to mount on most swim platforms.
• Rated for 2- and 4- stroke motors up to 20HP.
• Constructed of black powder coated aluminum and can be adjusted to fit most platform heights and motor shaft lengths for optimum prop depth and performance.
• Comes complete with transom support bar for weight support and torque resistance.
• Do NOT use without Panther 55-0415 safety cable – included.

55-0030 Spec Sheet

55-0030 hole pattern, 55-0030 owner's manual, pontoon kicker motor bracket kit.

SKU: 550065

Our Pontoon Kicker Motor Bracket Kit makes what has long been a difficult installation a breeze. The kit contains the new Adapter Bracket (55-0060) plus the new Swim Platform Bracket (55-0030) with all mounting hardware included. The Adapter Bracket mounts to the pontoon frame rails. Pontoon boats become more popular every year, and we receive many requests for a solution to mount a kicker motor for trolling or backup. Rated for auxiliary motors up to 20 HP.

55-0060 Adapter Bracket Only

55-0060 Owner's Manual

Fixed-mount, 4-stroke outboard motor bracket.

SKU: 550028

• Works with 4- and 2-Stroke motors up to 35hp and 263 lbs max weight (119kg).
• Rugged Polypropylene mounting board (2″ [5cm] thick).
• Includes stainless steel mounting hardware and safety cable. (Do not use without safety cable)

55-0028 Spec Sheet

Outboard safety cable ss.

SKU: 550415

• Braided, stainless steel cable, plastic coated for protection.
• Use with all outboard motor brackets to secure the motor to your boat.

(All Panther 4-stroke brackets come with Panther safety cable.)

Privacy Overview

[ Placeholder content for popup link ] WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin

Call us Now!

• Testimonials
• Armstrong Outboard Brackets
• Armstrong Repower
• Armstrong Deck Plates
• Armstrong RIB Ladders
• Armstrong Marine Ladders – Best Center pole ladders
• Armstrong Swing Ladder
• DAME Design Awards METS
• News & Events

Armstrong Innovative Products

Armstrong marine hardware and boating accessories., armstrong marine products, #1 rated marine hardware – most innovative marine motor brackets, ce certified deck plates, and award winning ladders.

For over 32 years Armstrong Nautical Products has been bringing innovative products to the marine industry. These include Armstrong ‘s CE certified Deck Plates as well as the first- produced Fixed “ fin friendly ” swim/dive ladders.

These are among the products that represent clever engineering,designed a’round performance, value, and ease of use. These are Armstrong’s “off the shelf’ items.

Armstrong, over the course of those years has also been gaining the expertise to tackle the ever-growing demand for outboard powered boats. Armstrong does this by providing the most innovative Outboard Motor Brackets in the industry. From single motors to quads Armstrong has built them all for boats from 20 feet and up. Custom built yet priced competitively,

Armstrong has a reputation for designing Brackets that fit your individual boat and motor combination. Armstrong’s Outboard Motor Brackets increase the efficiency of the motor. This has been proven in tests where there has been up to a 23% INCREASE IN FUEL ECONOMY. When you increase efficiency you: reduce the time to plane, increase the top speed, and in most cases improve maneuverability.

Additionally, by installing an Armstrong bracket on your boat you reduce the risk of shipping water over the transom in backing down on a fish, in following seas and in general in choppy waters.

By adding an Armstrong Bracket, you will increase deck space, create a quieter cockpit and when a swim dive platform is built into the bracket a wonderful space is provided for launching swimming and diving expeditions. These expeditions are accommodated by including an Armstrong Boarding Ladder in the build.

Visit Armstrong’s website; www.armstrongnautical.com and get a feel for what Armstrong has been doing. Fill out the “ Bracket lnformation Form ” and get a quote on the next major improvement to your boat. Or, if you already know which of Armstrong’s products you want, visit our e-commerce store:

https://stores.armstrongnauticalstore.com

Related Posts

Privacy Overview

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: 55e05ef8-e4a1-11ee-84ef-8a6f6fa1d12b

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

Outboard Engine Transom Bracket

Cedric Marina Ltd .  can build a custom outboard bracket for the engine to fit your boat. Our high-quality transom brackets are designed to improve your boat’s performance in a wide variety of ways. Our brackets are powder coated and ready to withstand any kind of conditions you may face.

Advantages of Outboard Engine Transom Bracket

Transom brackets are a popular addition to outboard motor boats due to their many advantages. Some of these advantages are:

• Additional flotation, in most cases the boat will float higher than before
• Improved performance & Handing
• Better fuel economy
• Safer in rough conditions
• Save space in your boat

Vancouver’s Marine Service Experts

Our work is high quality and designed to improve your boating experience. We work with many boats around Vancouver and Lower Mainland, BC. We can also provide additional services and boat upgrades such as:

• Glass Hatches
• Transom Gates
• Boat T-Tops
• Boat Railings
• Fishing Rod Holders
• Marine Repair

Custom Outboard Motor Transom Brackets in Vancouver & Surrey

If you own a boat in Vancouver BC or other cities of British Colombia, you know how important it is to have reliable and sturdy outboard motor transom brackets. This essential piece of equipment provides the necessary support for your outboard motor, ensuring that it stays securely attached to your boat’s transom.

At its core, an outboard engine transom bracket is a metal frame that attaches to the back of your boat and holds your outboard motor in place. It’s designed to withstand the weight and force of the motor while also providing stability and balance to your vessel.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Outboard Transom Bracket

There are many different types of outboard transom brackets available on the market today, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some are made from lightweight aluminum , while others are constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel . Some are adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the angle of your motor for optimal performance, while others are fixed in place.

One key benefit of using an outboard engine transom bracket is improved performance. By providing a stable platform for your motor, a good bracket can help reduce vibration and noise while also improving fuel efficiency. It can also help prevent damage to your boat’s transom by distributing the weight of the motor more evenly across its surface.

Another advantage of using a bracket is increased safety. A properly installed bracket can help prevent accidents by keeping your motor securely attached to your boat even in rough seas or high winds. It can also make it easier to access and service your motor when needed.

Cedric Marina’s Outboard Transom Brackets

At Cedric Marina, we offer a wide range of high-quality outboard engine transom brackets designed to meet the needs of boaters at every level. Our brackets are made from top-quality materials and are engineered to provide the ultimate in performance, durability, and safety.

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting, we have the perfect transom bracket for your needs. So why wait? Browse our selection today and discover the many benefits of using an outboard engine transom bracket for yourself!

Get In Touch With Us

How can we help? (required) Glass / Aluminum / Stainless Steel Railings Boat Railings / T-Top / Glass Hatches / Transom Gates Truck Racks Welding & Fabrication Other

• Sports & Outdoors
• Boating & Sailing
• Boat Engine Parts
• Outboard Motor Brackets

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Oceansouth Outboard TRANSOM MOUNTING Bracket Plate 2/3" Thickness

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Solid UV resistant polypropylene backing plates for outboard motor mounting
• Smooth rounded outer edge and tapered shape for a clean professional finish
• Thicknesses: 2/3"

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may ship from close to you

Product Description

Our Outboard Backing Plates are made from solid, UV resistant polypropylene and are available in both 1/3" and 2/3" thicknesses.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, important information.

To report an issue with this product or seller, click here .

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Start Selling with Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Your Ads Privacy Choices