SJ23 Tech Tip D03, (Updated 2015-10-18) Frank May, Bob Sschimmel.

Index

Outboard Bracket Mounting Nuts
Q - In April 1998 Frank May asked if anyone has replaced their outboard motor bracket?  If so, how did you manage to get a wrench or a socket on the mounting nuts located inside the hull, on the starboard side of the transom? 

A - Frank this is an incredibly lousy job.  You WILL get dirty, especially with glass fibres coming off the inside of the hull.  So wear wear coveralls to protect your skin and clothes and a surgical mask to prevent breathing the air borne fibres.  Tighten the cuffs and collar.  It helps to be slender, loose 30 pounds quickly or find that skinny friend who owes you a favour.  Torquing these screws in the factory was done by a skinny little kid (Steve) who was kept around only because he could fit into those small far reaching places, armed with a 7/16" box end wrench.  They also used him to access things in the anchor locker.

DOING THE "COCKPIT CRAWL" to TIGHTEN BRACKET NUTS - The following instructions apply for those early SJ23 hulls where the cockpit drain tubes go down through the hull.  Its relatively easy to crawl back there with a clear floor.  But if your drain tubes go through the transom (later version hulls) you could crawl over the horizontal tubes with a wood bridge or temporarily remove the drain tubes.  Failing either of these suggestions, install an inspection plate in the aft end of the cockpit wall.  See Tech Tip B36.

  • Place a support block under the back of the trailer to prevent it from tipping.
  • Empty the port locker, completely.  Wash the locker, if you have to. (Probably needs it anyway).
  • Throw an old rug or canvas tarp on the locker floor.
  • Step into the locker, facing the cockpit.  Kneel down, almost with your bum on your heels, and sit leaning to your right side.  Duck your head as you go in sideways or your right ear will really hurt!
  • Then stretch out your body.  Now is an excellent time for your assistant (you do have one I hope) to hand you large vice grips or a crescent wrench (few people give you the correct size wrench).
  • Wriggle like a snake towards the outboard bracket and don't drop that wrench.
  • The assistant then works the outside of the bracket bolts with a wrench while you hold the nuts on the inside.
    One suggestion; it is frowned upon to swear at your assistant for you may need him again!
  • To get out of the cave, wriggle back along the bottom of the hull (somewhat like a moray eel going backwards in its hole), towards the locker.  Then, when your feet are at the forward end of the locker, roll towards your right, face down, ending on your hands and knees with your bum pointing in the air.  Then wriggle out backwards.  AH FRESH AIR!!!  It is basically impossible to turn yourself around to get out of the hull.
  • Sure hope you don't suffer from claustrophobia. 
  • PS:  I have taken this trip on my own several times but with a charged cell phone close by.
  • Happy spelunking.  Bob Schimmel
Above you can see the outboard backing plate on the inside of the outboard pod.  Of interest are the nylock nuts holding the outboard bracket and keeping your expensive outboard from falling in the drink!  Now that would look somewhat silly! 
NOTE: I have done this job many @#$%&* times now and hated it every time.  The next time I dive in I'll lay my rugs again.  So far I've only threatened to paint the inside of the hull.  I hate those glass fibres.

 

By the way, have someone stand by while you are doing this job, just in case you get stuck or become panic stricken with claustrophobia.  It is basically impossible to yell for help while you are deep under the cockpit.  Nobody can hear you, hear you, hear you!  In addition, don't mention my name when the 911 squad shows up.  The last thing I want to hear on the news is how this crazy Canuck said this could be done.  I'll deny it all.

 

For installation of a round inspection hatch, see Tech Tip B36.
 

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