Problems with 26X steering linkage?

[tico]

I recently got a Mac 26X 1996 with tohatsu outboard 30HP, what I noticed so far that when I try to lift the outboard all the way up, the steering linkage seems to be in the way while lifting up the outboard, is there any modification to be able to bring up the outboard without hitting or bending the steering ?

I was reading some mores posting and someone is recommending to have the cav-plate runs at, or one inch below, the bottom surface of the hull.
The problem is that my obm is setup at 3.5 inches bellow the hull, I don't see how can I adjust it.



Tico

Any help would be appreciate it

[Chip Hindes]

Had the same problem with my my Tohatsu M50D when it was delivered on '00. The linkage stud mount was mounted to the motor upside down. Two minute job, reversed it and it has been fine ever since.

Check and see if this might be the case on your motor.

[Moe]

It seems to me, if your motor is mounted 2.5+ inches too low, this would contribute to the problem of not being able to tilt the motor up all the way.

Your motor is bolted onto the transom with four bolts, each in one of a line of four to five holes on the motor. If your motor is mounted low, the bolts are probably in the highest holes in those lines. You have to unmount the motor, raise it, and mount it in a set of lower holes on the motor bracket. The holes are spaced around 3/4", so raising the motor three holes should bring it up about 2-1/4".

If, however, the bolts are already through the lower holes in the motor's braacket, you'll have to repair the existing holes in the transom and redrill them higher up.

--
Moe

[tico]

Thanks guys, I will look into it.

so difficult to post pictures here.

[Frank C]

Not at all Tico ... except that as of today, you have only 2 posts on the Forum. After a dozen posts you'll get beyond the probationary period, and all that stuff will be available to you. Welcome!

[tico]

Good to know, I didn't know that neither.
I ussually read alot instead of posting, I have learned alot tips on this website, very help full to newcomers like me.

So I need 10 mores posting to be able to publish my pictures.

Going back to the problem that I am having there is no way that outboard could bring it up higher unless I install a good piece of wood to make higher from is seating right now.
This OBM has only two bolts and two clamps. if I bring up the outboard higher the clamps would be in the air, nothing to hold it down.

a picture worth a thousand words.

[Catigale]

Tico - if you have a pic to post you can send it to any Moderator (or any other member) and we can post until you hit the limit...sorry about the trial period, but the spammers are everywhere nowadays...

[balloonist]

I have a 97 X and had the same problems and more. The bracket was upside down as Chip said. My motor Nissan D50 was also to low or about 2.5 inches from the cavitation plate to the hull bottom. Because the previous owner installed it himself I had to redrill and fill to raise the motor 1.5 inches. The difference in the boat trim after I raised it is amazing! I could never get the bow to come down and plane. Now it levels out as it planes easily. Raising the motor is definitely worth the trouble

Another problem I had was the motor turning travel was limited by where the linkage was attached to the rudder bracket. I was only getting about 60% of the available motor turning. This was fairly easy to check out, by taping a sheet of paper to the motor and using a board across the transom and a framing square. Center the motor draw a line on hte paper then turn the wheel to each stop and draw another line for each. Then disconnect the linkage and see how much farther the motor rotates. I built a simple bracket to give the correct travel and made sure it was centered. It handles like a dream, completely different boat.
Good luck

[tico]

Yeah I am waiting for the moderator to post the pictures, so you guys would see the dilema that I am having.

To add insult to injury, the previous owner had installed a ladder that is limiting the turning with the rudders down.


I guess I need to do the same project as the previous post here.
Thanks

Tico

[tico]

By removing one bolt from the sterring it will disconnect the outboard, so that the easier way to do, but I still have concerns about the motor been low. I will give it a try first on the water and then I will make adjustment as necessary.
I have only a 30HP, I could use any power I could get to gain some speed.

Fair winds Gus

[Catigale]

Ball is in my court on the pictures Tico - my apologies..having some computer issues at the moment...

Pictures are below

[Catigale]

Bump to put thread back on top - see pictures above...

[tico]

Thanks Catigale

I got another problem.

I broke one of the spreader left side, anybody knows where I could get a replacement? of I have to make one myself with a wood stick?

Thanks again

Tico model 26x 1996.

[Catigale]

I bent one into a hockey stick first season - my boss, a confirmed serious keelboat racer estimted 500 to replace

It was about 20 from one of the dealers - I would call local dealer or call factory for that part Tico

[kmclemore]

The factory has plenty of spreaders, or, even easier, you can get one from many of the dealers here... click the "Dealer Information" link on the left and find one near you.