130 Sport Engine Mounting Height

Optimizing the performance of Boston Whaler boats
NorthShoreWhaler
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Oct 19, 2019 7:51 pm

130 Sport Engine Mounting Height

Postby NorthShoreWhaler » Mon Oct 12, 2020 1:52 pm

Give me your opinion: is the 2020 Mercury 40 FOURSTROKE engine on my 130 Sport mounted too low?

IMG_1319.jpeg
Fig. 1. Engine mounting height and location of anti-ventilation plate for boat and engine under discussion.
IMG_1319.jpeg (181.17 KiB) Viewed 4542 times

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Phil T
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Location: Was Maine. Temporarily Kentucky

Re: 130 Sport Engine Mounting Height

Postby Phil T » Mon Oct 12, 2020 4:54 pm

The engine appears to be too low.

The factory is mounting the engine of the current model at "two-holes-up". Another way of saying this: the top bolt in the engine bracket is in the third hole counting down from the top; or there are two empty holes above the bolt.

See the factory drawing here (sheet 2): http://bostonwhaler.com.s3.amazonaws.com/resources/130-Sport-Engine-Installation-and-Parts-List-2006.pdf
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

NorthShoreWhaler
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Oct 19, 2019 7:51 pm

Re: 130 Sport Engine Mounting Height

Postby NorthShoreWhaler » Mon Oct 12, 2020 5:43 pm

Thanks. Yes, the engine is mounted two-holes-up. I wonder if the newer model engine is different from the original. The shaft length [is specified to be the same] but may be different.

Can another participant with a recent re-power comment [about the existence of a significant variable in the actual shaft length among engines specified at a particular shaft length]?

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Phil T
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Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 6:08 pm
Location: Was Maine. Temporarily Kentucky

Re: 130 Sport Motor Height

Postby Phil T » Mon Oct 12, 2020 7:31 pm

Measure the anti-ventilation plate. It should be 1-1/2 to 2-inches above the keel.

Yours looks too low.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

biggiefl
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Re: 130 Sport Engine Mounting Height

Postby biggiefl » Tue Oct 13, 2020 11:07 am

I would go all the way up which will only bring you about an inch to 1.5" above the keel.
On my 24th Whaler. Currently in the stable: 86 18' Outrage, 81 13' Sport(original owner), 87 11' Sport, 69 Squall(for sale cheap).