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Ensign Sailing Forum

Deck Motor Mount
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Hello Marvin,
 
I started out with the old 3-prong motor mount and had all kinds of trouble getting my old Johnson 5 HP motor to clear the water. I finally got rid of the old mount and motor, switching to the Torqueedo and the Spartan mount because it allows me to reach my Torqueedo for tilting and it's easy to remove the mount by tilting it up to disengage from the deck mounting plate.
 
When the motor has to come off the stern, I break-down the Torqueedo then lift the mount off the mounting plate with the motor head and shaft attached. It's awkward, but easier than removing the Torqueedo from the mount. I do that once it's in the cockpit.
 
While sailing, the motor does tilt enough to get the prop out of the water, but just barely, which is okay for a day-sail. Any motor mount on the stern is going to be a compromise, so I choose to go with what's easiest to operate. I'm not a big fan of hanging off the stern, face down to operate a Garhauer mount or trying to get the old 3-prong mount to disengage. 
 
Anyway, I'm in refit mode now and will be trying the Edison side-mount when I get back on the water. I think in the end, it may prove to be the best choice.
 
Best,
Ed

In a message dated 11/1/2021 6:28:36 AM Pacific Standard Time, ensignsailing@ensignclass.com writes:
 
Posted by: Marvin Cook on 11/1/2021 at 6:27 AM
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Edward Rose - I like that Spartan motor mount, but a bit pricey bling - does it tilt up with your Torqeedo attached and lock in place? Or, do you have to remove it? Or, tilt the Torqeedo? Leaning on the aft deck to tilt is a little awkward.

 

We purchased a remote throttle/shift for the Torqeedo to support locking the motor in place and using the tiller to steer. Yet to test this set up to see if our purchase was worthwhile.

 

We have an orignal three point attachment and find that the Torqeedo handle gets a little awkward when tilting. The side mount looks like a good solution, but I suspect the motor needs to removed and stowed if you are sailing hard.

 

Were refitting our boat and looking for options for mounting our Torqeedo. Dr. Nixon provided some valuable insight on the site mount when I posted a question on the forum.

 

I'm still seeking input on the Garhauer motor mount.

 

 

 

 

 

Marvin and Lee Cook

Calypso

Ensign 627

shoalsailer32.blogspot.com

FWIW I'm using what I believe is the Ensign Spars mount, came with my Ensign.


It works very well with my Torqeedo. I started out with the long tiller, and that worked OK. Then I found a remote controller for a good price, and have been using that since. Tilting it up still requires leaning over the aft deck a bit, so unless I'm looking for a particularly exhilarating day on the water I'll generally leave the motor down, dragging some. It's the short shaft model - I know, not what's recommended, but it came with the boat and works fine in the lake. Probably not so much in costal areas.


Bill Cheadle

#1622

Chien du Soleil

Just a point of clarification on the Edson side mount, which I installed a year ago;  I love it for my needs - using the motor when no wind is available.  But if the wind picks up (and our narrow boats do tend to heel quickly) you risk dunking the engine.  That is the only flaw in the side mount system, but is obviously a serious one if you routinely need to use the engine to get out of a marina into open water and plan to sail.  I’m on a mooring in windy Jamestown, Rhode Island, so my engine lives below until the wind fades at the end of the afternoon.  But what a joy to control the throttle and tiller at the same time!  And with the Torqueedo, no worries about leaky gas cans below.  Based on my tests, I have about four hours of battery at normal cruising speeds, which is more than enough for my daysailing needs.  And the process of removing the engine is so simple right from the cockpit I really don’t mind the extra step.

Dennis Nixon
WIND #1331



Edward Rose - I like that Spartan motor mount, but a bit pricey bling - does it tilt up with your Torqeedo attached and lock in place? Or, do you have to remove it? Or, tilt the Torqeedo? Leaning on the aft deck to tilt is a little awkward.


We purchased a remote throttle/shift for the Torqeedo to support locking the motor in place and using the tiller to steer. Yet to test this set up to see if our purchase was worthwhile.


We have an orignal three point attachment and find that the Torqeedo handle gets a little awkward when tilting. The side mount looks like a good solution, but I suspect the motor needs to removed and stowed if you are sailing hard.


Were refitting our boat and looking for options for mounting our Torqeedo. Dr. Nixon provided some valuable insight on the site mount when I posted a question on the forum.


I'm still seeking input on the Garhauer motor mount.






Marvin and Lee Cook

Calypso

Ensign 627

shoalsailer32.blogspot.com

Nice shop!

 

Hi Bob,
 
I have the Spartan bronze motor mount. It works fine as long as you're comfortable spending time on the aft deck while dealing with the motor. Another, and I believe better solution is the Side-Mount Outboard Engine Bracket from Edison. I plan on trying it when my boat restoration is complete. I haven't found any other deck-mounted motor mounts better suited to the Ensign. I am not a fan of the 3-prong stern mount that came with my boat. Please let us know what solution you use.
 
Original (to my boat) 3-Prong Stern Mount: (not a fan)
 
 
 
What I now use...
Spartan Mount:
 
 
 
What I think will work well...
Edison Mount:
 
 
 

In a message dated 10/31/2021 5:23:40 PM Pacific Standard Time, ensignsailing@ensignclass.com writes:
 
Posted by: Robert P Malt on 10/31/2021 at 5:22 PM
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Hello,

 

This season I bought a new Tohatsu 6 HP Sail Pro which is a 25 inch extra long shaft motor. I know many people with say that a 6 HP motor is too much for the Ensign, but with this line of motors, the 4, 5 and 6 HP are the same weight and basically the same motor but with different carbs. that being said, this motor is amazing and I'm glad I have it because I only cruise and don't race. I'm interested in getting a deck mount for this to get rid of the bulky stern setup I currently have. The only thing I can find is the Spartan bronze deck mount. Does anyone have any experience with this mount or something else that would be mounted on the deck?

 

Thanks!

 

Bob

Mucho Gusto

Hello,


This season I bought a new Tohatsu 6 HP Sail Pro which is a 25 inch extra long shaft motor. I know many people with say that a 6 HP motor is too much for the Ensign, but with this line of motors, the 4, 5 and 6 HP are the same weight and basically the same motor but with different carbs. that being said, this motor is amazing and I'm glad I have it because I only cruise and don't race. I'm interested in getting a deck mount for this to get rid of the bulky stern setup I currently have. The only thing I can find is the Spartan bronze deck mount. Does anyone have any experience with this mount or something else that would be mounted on the deck?


Thanks!


Bob

Mucho Gusto

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